The University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s Community Engagement Unit showcased some of their leading projects at the 2024 Community Engagement Day.
Hosted at the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, the event gave the CE Unit the opportunity to give the broader University community more information about the various projects they are involved in.
There were over 10 stalls, representing over nine (9) community based organisations and 14 UJ stakeholders who work with these organisations to bring various projects to life. Each faculty/division presented two projects while the
Tseleng Modjadji, Community Engagement Specialist said the aim of the day is to highlight the scope of the work done by the University’s faculties, colleges and division, to contribute in society.
“The day will be a platform for UJ faculties, divisions, students as well as various NPO’s to showcase their work. The program, led by the Community Engagement unit, aims to highlight the university’s historical involvement in Community Engagement (CE) while creating opportunities for new collaborations and engagements. Key focus areas include connecting communities, promoting inclusive engagement, and responding to community needs,” Modjadji said.
One such organization is the African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) which collaborates on a variety projects with the Faculty of Art and Design (FADA), the Humanities, the Law, the Engineering and the Science faculties at UJ.
The reclaimers, who are primarily based in the Johannesburg CBD and its surrounds, have a mutually beneficial relationship with UJ, which ultimately seeks to improve their quality of life.
Ricco Tshesane, said the experience of working with UJ has brought many significant changes in their lives.
“For starters, they helped us improve how our creche (Early Child Development Centre ) works, they have brought important technologies to us like a solar powered heating and cooling system for our homes and help us think of new ways of doing things through the various research projects that do with us and the workshops,” he said.
TAB Julies Pre-Primary School in Coronationville, also have been working with UJ and by extension the Community Engagement Unit for a number of years.
The principal, Naomi Franks, shared that this is the 10th year of a successful working relationship.
“UJ sends us [Education] students to come help us with our aftercare facility which caters for children in grades 1-7 from nearby schools. They help whatever homework the children have and teach them how to read. They also help us with our 4–5-year-olds as well. In total we cater for 85 children,” Franks said.
Professor Bongani Ngqulunga, Senior Executive Director: University Relations, Sport and Student Affairs said he was excited about the work done by the CE Unit.
“This afternoon has been an exciting opportunity for me to see what the Unit does. Often, when you’re told about the work the Unit does it is all abstract until you get to see, like I have what it actually entails. I want to thank you all for the wonderful work you do and the difference you make in communities. This is the real UJ,” he said.
The Community Engagement Unit is made up of Deedry Grundling, Tseleng Modjadji, Andy Balaram, Lebogang Ayobiyojo and Tshepo Malele under the leadership of Fiona Mahlori.
