There is a shortage of special skills in the country and engineering is no exception. The Faculty of Engineering at the North-West University (NWU) is not only addressing this need, but is also ensuring that the seeds are planted for future growth in this all-important field.
“Our faculty is involved in the community in many ways,” explains Prof Liezl van Dyk, the executive dean of the faculty. “We are involved with learners in the school community where we have various initiatives such as the Science, Engineering and Technology (SETH) Academy, as well as the Femmegeneering workshops for girls. Through these initiatives we reach out to communities to help learners understand that they can and should become engineers.”
“Learners who weren’t previously even considering engineering, who didn’t believe in themselves or didn’t have the required marks are equipped though these initiatives. Then, of course it is very important for us to ensure that all our undergraduate students are involved in some kind of community engagement project as part of our curriculum. It is not only a way of reaching out to communities, it is also our way of nurturing socially responsible students and graduates. It is a very important outcome for us,” says Prof Van Dyk.
“In terms of research we interact with the industry on all levels. Sometimes this interaction is with vulnerable communities. For example, our green coal project is directed towards producing coal that is environmentally more responsible and economically more viable. We also have areas such as health systems engineering where we apply our engineering skills to improve health care processes and systems.”
In addition, the faculty is involved in endeavours such as the Lesego project, along with the non-profit organisation Enactus. This project aims to renew discarded soap from guest houses and hotels. The soap is recycled and given to communities in need. There is also the SETH academy at Ferdinand Postma Secondary School in Potchefstroom to help train future engineers, and the Engenius Kids Weekend Programme. This programme is run and managed by engineering students, who have undergone training to develop projects and activities for learners. They have also been trained to convey knowledge and communicate clearly to learners
