Students help build kids’ future
NELSON Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) students delivered armfuls of goods – and plenty of smiles – to the Mthawe Themba Learn and Play Centre in Walmer Township yesterday.
The project, initiated by the department of architectural technology and design at NMMU, saw a group of about 20 second-year students deliver foodstuffs, stationery, toys and other necessities to the impoverished daycare centre.
Lecturer Chanelle Edgar said the initial idea for the project formed part of the university’s policy of ubuntu.
“It is a community outreach project which is not part of the curriculum for second-years but it is beneficial for the students to give them practical experience and gives them exposure to different situations.”
The first phase of the project included the building of tables and shelving for the 68 children under the care of principal Vinolia Mgushelo.
The new classroom’s framework, sponsored and erected by Ironkids, had been painted and vinyl flooring laid by the NMMU students.
Astroturf was donated and placed over part of the backyard play area.
“The next phase will include completing the backyard with AstroTurf and hopefully putting up a [spon- sored] jungle gym,” said Edgar.
She said a veggie garden would also be planted.
Student Leyya Adam, 20, from Westering, said there had been equal involvement from all the students involved in the initiative.
“It has been an enjoyable experience and surprising with all the donations we have received.”
She said it took them three days to complete the vinyl flooring, painting, cleaning up, shelving and building of furniture.
Fellow student Lwando Vokwana, 22, from East London, said the project had a spiritual effect on him.
“This project has had a big impact on me and the others involved. It is amazing to see what you can do for others and how much they appreciate it,” said Vokwana.
The centre is run by Mgushelo, assisted by three teachers and a cook who look after children from the ages of three months to six years.
Mgushelo said she was immensely grateful for the students’ assistance.