"It was so nice to get acquainted with all the positive things at the university and the difference that is being made in so many areas and on so many levels."
These were the words of Christelle van Zyl, one of 26 Stellenbosch University donors and community leaders who recently visited the Stellenbosch campus.
The campus visits are an initiative of Mrs Catherine de Villiers, wife of the SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers. The aim is to expose stakeholders to the inspirational initiatives that the University is tackling and their positive impact. "We do so much inspirational work here at Maties, and it's a privilege to draw attention to it. I'm looking forward to doing more such tours!" she said.
The group visited the University's Launchlab, Telematic Centre, the Wimbledon Hub, Listening, Living and Learning Houses (LLL), as well as the SciMathUS initiative and had lunch with students at Irene Women’s Residence.
The LaunchLab, an initiative of the university innovation company Innovus, is the pivotal point of all entrepreneurial activities on the SU campus. The LaunchLab offers networking opportunities, business model development, mentorship and affordable rental rates in an entrepreneurial environment.
SU's Telematic Services offer a unique virtual technological platform that exposes learners and students, regardless of where they are located, to a supportive learning environment. Here, visitors heard more about the Telematic Schools project that was started in 2009 to improve the results of Grade 12 learners. They could also see first-hand how interactive satellite broadcasts work. A total of 671 schools currently benefit from this project.
The LLL houses are an innovative residential option on the Stellenbosch campus that was started in 2008 as the first of its kind in South Africa. LLL houses are living spaces where senior students are placed in homes on the basis of diversity factors such as race, gender and field of study. These students then live for a year according to a central theme such as community interaction, leadership, culture and media.
SciMathUS is a bridging programme that supports learners from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to improve their matric results in core subjects and thereby gain access to university. Students who followed this programme were also present and shared their success stories.
One of the donors, Sonja Roux, said that she was amazed at the extent of and effort being put into the various projects. "Thank you for a truly constructive, insightful and particularly enjoyable morning."
According to businesswoman and community leader, Bronwyn Moses, the visits were an enriching experience. "I am impressed with all the opportunities offered to students, especially students from disadvantaged communities. A special thanks also to Catherine for carrying on Russel Botman's legacy of hope," she added. "I'm really proud of the University and how you take on the future!" Louise Fourie said.
Would you like to introduce your initiative for one of our next campus visits? Please contact Martie van der Linde at mvdl@sun.ac.za.
