Students benefit both personally and professionally from taking part in charitable community service. In fact, such actions not only contribute towards good citizenship, but also better problem-solving skills and an improved ability to work within a team structure. 

This is according to Mr Jacob Simango, director for student life on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Vanderbijlpark. As part of the annual Orientation and Registration Programme – or O&R as it is referred to – more than 700 new first-year students took to the streets of Vanderbijlpark and surrounding areas to pledge their support to and contribute towards several charitable organisations.

Students from all walks of life undertook the tasks of sweeping flours, painting walls, cooking dinners, entertaining little ones, and visiting senior citizens at several old age homes in their stride. According to Jacob the annual Community Outreach Programme represents a highlight on the O&R calendar as it marks not only the students’ first weekend at their new academic home, but also provides the students with an opportunity to become active members of their newfound community.

“Knowing that you can make an impact on someone else’s life, through simple actions, makes community service not only a rewarding experience but also fills one with a sense of pride,” says Jacob.

The following organisations benefitted from the outreach initiative: Bophelong Children’s Home, Ikemeleng Home for the Elderly, Kanana Mental Health Care, Lapeng Home for the Aged, Kgatliso Children’s Home, Matwala Children’s Home, Busy Bee Hospice, Vaal Echoes of Love and the Ikageng Old Age Centre.