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By Nizole Qete
The institutional narrative about Community Engagement at Rhodes University has undergone a significant but nuanced transformation over the past decade. While RUCE is still largely associated with coordinated volunteer activities, what it means to be a part of an Engaged Citizenry programme at Rhodes is complex.
From the perspectives of the students involved in CE Programmes, engaged citizenry is about forming relationships, learning and growing as part of a collective. These programmes are also a platform for developing leadership attributes. Many volunteers progress to being student leaders in the programme, taking on facilitation and management roles.
The efforts of all stakeholders in these activities are celebrated at an annual event, the Community Engagement Awards, with categories for student volunteers, student researchers, student organisations and community partners.
Three students reflect on their vibrant journeys in Community Engagement Engaged Citizenry Programmes:
Lusanda Witbooi
Lusanda Witbooi, a dedicated 3rd-year student, encapsulates the sentiment behind the concept.
"The essence of engaged citizenry is collaborating with the community to establish how to grow with the resources they currently have to reach their goals."
In embodying the principles of an engaged citizen, Lusanda and other student-engaged citizens initiated a transformative project to revitalise a local preschool, demonstrating the university's commitment to collaboration and sustainability. They creatively repurposed available resources by consulting with the school and understanding its aspirations. The mission was clear: to make the preschool authentically reflect the community while embodying a vibrant educational environment. The team repainted old tyres, utilising existing materials to achieve a sustainable and visually appealing transformation.
Jodi-Anne Rooi
Jodi-Anne Rooi initially joined the program as a mentee while still in high school and is now a student leader. Reflecting on her journey, she said:
"Back in high school, I was a mentee in the 9/10ths program. When I came to university, I thought my relationship with my mentor would end when the program ended. But she continued to stay in contact with me. And now we are good friends, have gone to her wedding, have gone to her baby shower, and we still keep in contact.And that's something that I really treasure. And because I treasured that so much , I also wanted that to be the same with my mentees. So whenever the program does end, I always let them know that it's not the end of our relationship and we can continue remaining friends. And I still keep in contact with all my mentees."
Jodi's story underscores the enduring impact of engaged mentorship, fostering connections that extend beyond formal programs' boundaries and contribute to the development of lasting friendships.
Claire McCann
In recounting her experience, 2020 student volunteer of the year, Claire McCann, vividly describes the transformative power of engaged mentorship within the university community.
"I came to the relationship expecting [my mentee] would need me, but this was never the case. She took ownership of our mentoring sessions, and our time together became a space for sharing resources and learning."
The journey taught her the importance of knowing when to guide and when to step back, emphasising a balanced approach to mentorship. Describing their deep connection, she notes, "Now, we affectionately refer to each other as 'big sister' and 'little sister'."
Mentorship in these programmes takes on a reciprocal nature, where both mentor and mentee contribute to each other's development, creating a meaningful impact within the university community.
"Today, this mentee is a fellow student who has now found herself in the community engagement space as a mentor in this same programme, " Claire noted proudly.
In reflecting on her experience as the Student Volunteer of the Year, Claire emphasises the importance of recognition, noting its significance in a university setting where acknowledgement typically leans heavily towards research.
Rhodes University’s commitment to recognising impactful contributions through the Community Engagement Awards solidifies its position as a catalyst for positive change and collaborative progress.