The North-West University’s (NWU’s) unwavering commitment to community engagement is deeply rooted in its initiatives of empowering the communities it serves using research to address relevant needs.

The NWU’s Sustainability and Community Impact division recently held its annual Youth Learning Festival (YLF) – welcoming about 150 young people from the Stilfontein and Fochville areas to the Potchefstroom Campus.

The YLF serves as a platform for the university, community, and various stakeholders to share their knowledge and skills with young people who are classified as Not in Education, Employment and Training (NEET).

Bibi Bouman, director for sustainability and community impact, says they identified the need for such a platform after a recent needs analysis indicated a growing need for the upskilling of NEET youth in various areas.

Bibi is also actively involved in the Community Engagement Forum that forms reciprocal relationships with communities by placing students in community service positions, supporting the NWU’s strategy of engaged teaching and learning.

Academic stalls served their purpose

The YLF featured various stalls and exhibits from different faculties and community groups. Stall holders gave a brief introduction of the various skills offered, which included digital coding, entrepreneurship, career guidance, recycling, environmental preservation, life skills, health and wellbeing, and food security.

Palesa Tembani, a field worker at the festival, shares her experience. “The learning festival was the embodiment of the spirit of lifelong learning, creativity and community work.

“One of the highlights of the day was being granted the opportunity to learn about and explore cutting-edge technologies, especially at the science shop and agricultural stalls. The festival had something for each and every one of us to enjoy,” says Palesa.

“I found it fascinating to learn about chickens and their unique characteristics. I discovered that there are two main types of chickens: those that lay eggs and meat chickens,” says Tidimalo Mngomezulu, also a field worker.

Tidimalo added that she was amazed by the interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that made learning fun and engaging. “I conducted experiments, observed microorganisms under a microscope, and even built a simple machine using everyday materials. The science room was a space where curiosity and creativity thrived, and I left with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of science.”

Youth empowerment is the main goal of the iThemba Labantu Development Centre.

The NWU career center provided career advice to the youth

An exhibit from the FNAS at the NWU featured an introduction to animal sciences.

A happy dancing competition at the YLF set the tone for the rest of the day