Parents have a duty to their children and the university

Dr Pauline Machika – Executive Director, Centre for Academic Development (CAD) is excited for the year ahead!

The Desmond Tutu Great Hall was packed to the rafters with enthusiastic parents from all over the country in attendance for the official opening of Orientation Week.

The O – Week – Parents Day Meeting, coordinated by the Centre for Academic Development (CAD) with the assistance of Corporate Affairs (CA) saw a large number of parents who’ve registered their children to study at VUT, arriving to meet and greet the Vice-Chancellor and the Executive Deans of each faculty and VUT members of staff. This is an information day that seeks to create an all-inclusive platform for both the parent and the student to gain a first-hand account of all the ins and outs of the institution. Providing the perfect platform for parents to meet the people who’ll be upskilling and shaping their children into mature and work-ready adults.

“Parents have a duty to their children, they have a duty to the university. Without your help, we cannot make it. If you meet your role as a parent and students meet their roles as students – we will not experience any problems.” Professor Ndege, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology expressed these words to parents and students at the event held on Sunday, 22 January.

The audience was kept enlightened with information from guest speakers in the various departments at VUT. Student accommodation, support services and counselling, academics and sports, were just some of the topics that formed part of the programme. Mr Jerry Molutsi, Acting Director for Student Accommodation & Catering noted that although the Residences are full, parents must be assured that VUT is working hand in hand with local property owners in ensuring that there is enough safe accommodation for students to live in, in surrounding areas.

Professor Kuzvinetsa Dzvimbo shared a few words of wisdom, advising students to be dedicated and focused on their studies. Being an avid reader, the professor encouraged the students to make full use of the library and develop a relationship with reading and researching.

Dr Pauline Machika, Executive Director of CAD, placed emphasis on her anticipation and enthusiasm for the academic year ahead, especially seeing the response from parents and their willingness to actively participate in the meeting. Dr Machika said the CAD has many programs running that aim to improve the quality of teaching and learning here at VUT, with the mantra, “Access for Success” students should know that VUT is the right choice and they’ll gain access to the necessary skills required to enter the working world or tap into their entrepreneurial skills. She further advised parents to constantly monitor and provide full support to their children until they complete their diplomas and degrees.