The department is actively searching for opportunities for community engagement. Community engagement refers to various activities and programs that foster collaborative interaction with individuals and groups outside of VUT. These initiatives can be implemented at the local, regional, or national levels to support external entities in achieving their economic and social objectives through engaged teaching and learning initiatives, volunteerism, and research. The department is dedicated to establishing solid partnerships and actively contributing to the overall improvement of the broader community through these efforts.

VUT ENGINEERING AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT STAFF PROVIDE MENTORSHIP TO A LOCAL SCHOOL’S CIENCE CLUB. By Dr NZ Nkomo and Dr PK Nziu – 08 April 2024.

On 26 February 2024, a department delegation comprising nine staff members visited Lekoa Shandu Secondary School in Limpopo. The primary purpose was to mentor the science club and assist them with preparations for the upcoming science fair competition. The club welcomed the VUT delegation to the school and formally requested assistance and guidance in preparation for the competitions that were lined up.  Before opening the floor for the delegation to motivate the Club members, the Head of the Department, Prof Tengen, thanked the science club for the invitation and accepted the invitation to participate in their science fair activities. What followed was an opportunity for science club members to share their project ideas and ask the experts questions.  After fruitful preliminary deliberations, it was agreed that the club members prepare individual or group ideas and submit them to their patron, who will then send them to the department for allocation of mentors to assist with project refinement and concept development.  The department’s organizing committee for the event was comprised of Prof T Tengen, Dr. P Nziu, and Mr. J Sivambu and was chaired by Dr. N Z Nkomo. The other departmental staff members who participated in the engagement were Dr. I Ibrahim, Miss C Sigonde, Mr. J Mbatha, Mr. D Sozinando, and Mr. T Matyatya.

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: VUT EMPOWERS LIMPOPO LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL. By: Qhawekazi Memani – 05 October 2023

A New Dawn: Bridging the Digital Divide

 On the inaugural day of the program, the team faced the challenges of a remote location, where technology accessibility was not taken for granted. The teachers, many unfamiliar with computers, were warm ly welcomed into the digital realm. Professor Thomas Tengen, from VUT, extended his virtual presence to express gratitude and provide an inspiring outlook on the pivotal role of technology in education. The team demonstrated various Learning Management Systems (LMS), emphasizing the user- friendly nature of platforms like Google Meet and Google Drive. The response was overwhelmingly positive, as teachers quickly grasped the potential of these tools. They learned to create Google accounts, enabling them to seamlessly navigate the online landscape, upload assignments, tests, and engage in virtual meetings.

Empowering Educators for Tomorrow

The second day brought with it a new set of challenges and triumphs. With over 350 eager learners, the team navigated power outages and network difficulties, undeterred in their mission. Career guidance, bursary information, and application advice flowed freely, empowering grade 11 and 12 students to envision their futures. In cycles, the online teaching team connected with grades 8, 9, and 10. The learners, quick to adapt, embraced the technology with enthusiasm. With guidance, they effortlessly set up email accounts, accessed files on Google Drive, and even engaged in real-time conversations through Google Meet.

Lessons Learned and a Vision for the Future

The outreach project at Ripambeta High School emphasized the importance of ongoing community engagement. It brightened the need for resolute individuals and adequate resources to drive sustainable change. Load shedding emerged as a challenge, prompting a creative response from the team. The school’s plea for additional resources—computers, office furniture, generators—highlighted the dire need for infrastructure improvements. These requests echo a broader call to action: a collective effort to foster an environment conducive to quality education.

A Legacy of Impact

As the Ripambeta outreach draws to a close, the IEOMME team reflects on the profound impact made. The experience reaffirmed the team’s commitment to extending their expertise to other schools and communities. It also serves as a testament to the potential of technology to revolutionize education in even the most underserved regions. “In the end, the Ripambeta High School project stands as testament to the transformative power of education. It is a story of a community’s resilience, a school’s dedication, and a team’s unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of learners. Together, they have embarked on a journey toward a future where every student, regardless of their circumstances, can thrive in a digital world,” concluded Mr Shivambu.