VUT hosts a series Service-Learning Workshops to anchor community engagement in academia
25 October 2024 | STORY . Qhawekazi Memani. PHOTO Peter Masela.
From 20 – 25 October 2024, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT)’s Community Engagement Department, in collaboration with Rhodes University, officially hosted a series of Service-Learning Workshops aimed at integrating community engagement into academic programs.
Led by experts from Rhodes University’s Community Engagement Unit, these workshops were conducted under the theme: “Anchoring Community Engagement in Academia through Service Learning.”
The workshops sought to foster the incorporation of community involvement as a core aspect of VUT’s academic agenda, reinforcing the critical role of service learning in higher education.
Primarily, the main objective of the workshops was to equip participants with practical frameworks for embedding service learning into their curricula by providing hands-on guidance on designing service-learning modules that blend academic theory with real-world applications. “By doing so, the university aims to enhance both academic scholarship and student development while fostering sustainable partnerships with local communities,” clarified Mr Joseph Radebe, VUT’s acting Director for Community Engagement.
Among the attendees were twenty-five (25) VUT academics representing various faculties, community stakeholders, and student leaders. In her opening address, Ms. Thandie Nqowana, a representative from Rhodes University, emphasized the importance of aligning service learning with national higher education imperatives and socio-economic needs.
Dr Simphiwe Nelana, the Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal, said these workshops reinforced the institution’s commitment to fostering socially conscious graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
During the workshops, participants actively engaged in discussions, working collaboratively to design and integrate service-learning modules relevant to their disciplines. This includes identifying synergies between Service Learning and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) to promote holistic student development.
The workshop marks a significant milestone in VUT’s strategic community engagement efforts. With strengthened collaboration between academics, students, and community stakeholders, VUT is poised to advance its role as a catalyst for social innovation, further bridging the gap between academia and society.
The workshop concluded with action plans that will be implemented across VUT faculties.