Rhodes University awarded awarenet for their work with university student volunteers on the 10th of October. The Community Engagement programme of Rhodes University has expanded considerably in later years and 400 students now participate in the student volunteer programme. At least once a week these students take part in activities conducted by local non-profit organisations among youth and other community members in the wider Grahamstown area.
awarenet has in 2017 been fortunate to have had six Rhodes University students on site who all have volunteered their time and dedication. These students have conducted awarenet training sessions, supervised the Open Lab and helped us create an awarenet database.
Kjetil Torp, awarenet project coordinator, receives a Volunteer Manager’s Award from Dr Mabizela, Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes University
To celebrate all the students who participate in the programme and the organisations they work with Rhodes University invited us all to a Community Engagement Awards gala evening. At the gala I received a Volunteer Manager’s Award for the work I have done with the volunteers. The award was handed over by Dr. Sizwe Mabizela, the Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes University, a clear indication that Rhodes University takes the partnership with awarenet and other non-profit organisations in Grahamstown seriously.
We at the awarenet team are proud of being recognized for our partnership with Rhodes University but in return also want to thank the Rhodes students who have been a great addition to the awarenet team this year: Nomathamsanqa Zono, Nonduduzo Ncala, Clement Simuja, Harry Moon, Paulina Nkosi and Taponeswa Thembo.
Thanks a lot to you all for contributing to awarenet and the youth of Grahamstown!