“VUT Public Relations students partnered with health and counselling professionals to promote child protection, personal hygiene and learner well-being at Ikokobetseng Primary School.”
22 October 2026 | Story by: Staff Reporter | Picture: Supplied
Metsotso e 2 nako ya go bala.
A group of second-year Public Relations students from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), known as Impact Communicators, conducted a community outreach programme at Ikokobetseng Primary School on 6 October 2026 to promote learner well-being, child protection and personal hygiene.
Working with the VUT Campus Health Clinic and the Vanderbijlpark Trauma Counselling Empowerment Centre, the students brought together health practitioners, social work professionals and school representatives to share information and practical support with learners.
Through presentations and interactive discussions, the programme addressed gender-based violence, domestic abuse, childhood trauma and mental health. Learners were encouraged to understand their rights, recognise harmful situations and seek help from trusted adults and appropriate support services.
Ms Monica Maluleke, Senior Social Worker at the trauma centre, emphasised the importance of protecting children and ensuring access to emotional and psychosocial support.
“The trauma centre is here to support learners and ensure that their mental and emotional well-being is prioritised. We stand firm in our commitment to addressing and preventing abuse against children and women,” she said.
The Campus Health Clinic focused on healthy lifestyles and everyday hygiene, highlighting the connection between physical health, mental well-being and participation in school activities.
Mx Thapelo Kgakatsi, Projects Officer at the Campus Health Clinic, encouraged learners to develop healthy habits from an early age.
“A healthy body and a healthy mind contribute to better outcomes. We encouraged learners to practise good hygiene, including regular handwashing, and to take responsibility for their personal health and well-being,” said Mx Kgakatsi.
The educational activities were supported by the distribution of 130 sanitary towel packs to girls and 128 oral care products to boys. Participants also received fruit and snacks.
For the Impact Communicators, the outreach offered an opportunity to apply their communication skills through stakeholder collaboration, awareness activities and direct engagement with learners.
Representing the student group, Ms Charlotte Mokoena encouraged learners to prioritise their education and personal development.
“You need to study and focus on developing your lives; the future of our nation relies on you,” she said.
Ms Lorraine Mosoatsi, a teacher at Ikokobetseng Primary School, thanked the partners for their support and the hygiene products provided to learners.
“We encourage you to continue supporting those in need and caring for the less privileged. Your work and its impact are acknowledged and appreciated,” she said.
The initiative connected classroom learning with community needs, giving students practical experience in using communication to support social awareness. It also reinforced the value of partnerships between universities, schools, health services and community organisations in protecting children and promoting their dignity and well-being.