Among the many hats that students at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) wear, they have now added another: being published authors.
Students from the UJ Faculty of Law have authored an anthology titled ‘Peer-to-Peer: Youth Mentorship’ which is a collection stories, aimed at students, and written by students. Published by West Park publishers, the book features real life experiences of young people navigating the complexities of university life.
Professor Franaaz Khan, acting Head of Department: Private Law, who was the mentor of the students during their writing journey shared that the book’s charm is how relatable it will be to other young people and that it’s hoped that it will be used as a tool to help them overcome challenges.
“The book was created to inspire and empower students by sharing real-life experiences of young individuals navigating academic, personal, and societal challenges. It serves as a mentorship tool to guide students in overcoming obstacles, building resilience, and unlocking their full potential,” she said.
She added that some of the themes of the book include “perseverance, self-discovery, academic excellence, mental health, mentorship, and overcoming adversity. The authors share personal stories of triumph, emphasising the importance of mindset, discipline, and support systems in achieving success. The book also highlights societal challenges faced by students, such as financial struggles, peer pressure, and the impact of role models, offering insights and strategies to help young people thrive in both their academic and personal lives,” Prof Letete said.
The book was written by university students, seven of whom are from UJ. One such student is third year LLB student, Meluleki Nxumalo, who shared that being part of the book was a transformative journey for him.
“Sharing my personal story not only helped me process my struggles but also allowed me to connect with others who have faced similar challenges. This book is proof that our voices matter and that our experiences can inspire change. I hope every student who reads it finds the courage to persevere and realise that they are not alone in their journey,” he said.
The book is a hit among the young people it is intended for- with Masabata, a matriculant at Sizwakele High School stating that it has positively affirmed her.
“As a young woman, I’ve faced challenges with mental health, self-confidence, and identity. I often struggled with negative self-talk and sought validation from others. But through this book, I’ve started a journey of self-love and self-discovery. I’m learning to embrace my uniqueness, fight for what’s right, and trust in God’s purpose for my life. Even though I’m not in varsity yet, I’m using this time to grow, heal, and become resilient. I’ve realised that I am enough, I am beautiful, and my past does not define my future,” she said.
Prof Khan said seeing the students share so selflessly of themselves for the benefit of others once again reinforced that UJ students are committed to being changemakers.
“The process of writing a is challenging yet rewarding. What these students took on was in no way a mundane task. And it once again highlights the high calibre of students we have at UJ, something that as an institution we must never take for granted,” she said.
UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi penned the foreword for the book.
The book is available from bookshops nationwide.
