Community Engagement
International Exchange students' involvement with Community Engagement
Rhodes University offers students an opportunity to do volunteer work and help the community of Grahamstown. There are a variety of projects to choose from, which work to improve the psychological and material welfare of people in need, and help is always appreciated!
Please see the Community Engagement website.
Hillary Kane from Washington College, USA
2012: Semester 1
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"I spent my time at Little Flower pre-school. It was an amazing experience working with the little ones and I intend to come back and visit the up and coming reconstruction of their classroom!"
Sarah Pope from Willamette University, USA
2012: Semester 1
"During my time at Rhodes University I was able to become a volunteer though RUCE, Rhodes University Community Engagement. I worked as a volunteer and group leader alongside the long-term volunteers at the Jabez Centre which is an AIDs support clinic for community members in the township in Grahamstown. The Jabez Centre offers support for people vulnerable to and those infected by AIDs. More consistently, the centre offers an after school program for orphaned and vulnerable children in the area. The centre provides a safe space for the kids to come together, children of all ages, after school. At the centre the kids have the opportunity to learn about the risks associated with unprotected sex, alcoholism and any other issues that they may face in their lives. To benefit the children in the classroom, tutoring and help with homework is also offered. The children are also given time to play outdoors and are given food when available. While volunteering at the centre I was able to do a little bit of everything from getting to know the kids and their plans for the future to clerical work.
Overall my experience at the Jabez Centre was incredibly positive as I was able to learn so much by simply observing. The staff and children were very welcoming to me, especially considering the language barrier as I don't speak Xhosa. I know that working at the Jabez Centre was a beneficial relationship for both the kids and myself, and I will miss the centre when I leave for home."
