Choosing what to study, where to study and whether you meet the basic entry requirements to study that particular programme can be a daunting and nerve-wracking experience and responsibility as a learner in Grade 11 in this day and age despite the advances in information and communication technology. Third-year Social Work students, Nkosinathi Mulakanya, Lebogang Chiloane and Athenkosi Gxekwa, who were placed at Child Welfare Khayamandi, went the extra mile and organised a Career Day targeting primarily Grade 11 learners at Makupula Secondary School on 03 October 2024. This particular activity forms part of their learning outcomes in the Social Work Practice Education programme.
Other students are also involved in their respective practice education community work projects, which include teaching intellectually disabled residents at care facilities how to budget their SASSA grants, creating awareness of mental and physical health, promoting safer sex practices and launching a book club. Other projects at a care facility for the elderly include offering psycho-social education related to transitioning into a care facility. At a hospital, the students facilitate a project regarding the management of unwanted pregnancies. Various other projects at schools include awareness around teenage pregnancy, dealing with bullying and cyberbullying, body safety for Grade 2 and 3 learners, a food drive for learners in need and creating awareness of child abuse in the broader community
Social Work student, Ms Chiloane, steered the schedule of the programme as the Programme Director.
Mr Sivuyile Mdaka from the Stellenbosch University Student Recruitment Unit, accompanied by Dr Tasneemah Cornelissen-Nordien (practice education coordinator and lecturer) and Mr Asanda Alex Plaatjies (marketing and communications coordinator), incredibly well represented the SU brand and image while informing the learners what it entails to study at Maties.
“Choosing to study Social Work is a rewarding experience and [provides] professional fulfilment. It’s about taking into consideration the needs of the community where you operate and the networks you build,” said Dr Cornelissen-Nordien. Dr Cornelissen-Nordien, as the practice education coordinator for her students, was also a good ambassador for the social work profession by exposing the learners to the wonderful and rewarding world of social work practice.
Mr Asanda Alex Plaatjies emphasised to the learners that when choosing a qualification, they must do proper research, know the entry requirements, and match their passion and qualities to the programme they want to study; especially within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. SU Student Recruitment Advisor, Mr Sivuyile Mdaka, gave the learners a holistic overview of Stellenbosch University and what it entails to study here and become Maties. For more information on SU, prospective applicants can visit Advisory Services (sun.ac.za).
In conclusion, Social Work student, Nkosinathi Mulakanya, who hails from Mpumalanga, took the learners on a trip down memory lane by sharing his experiences of when he chose to come and study in Cape Town, further away from his home, and the lessons he has learnt thus far.
As part of their community engagement and commitment that form part of their studies, the third-year students are at Makupula Secondary School every Thursday, delivering much needed social support services to the community. On behalf of the Faculty and Stellenbosch University we wish them success in their studies and their commitments towards communities in need, which represents what the University brand stands for.