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About CCE&WIL

About the Centre for Community Engagement and Work Integrated Learning

The Centre for Community Engagement and Work Integrated Learning was established as an institutional response to the 1991 Education White Paper on the transformation of higher education which calls for all South African higher education institutions to demonstrate greater responsibility and commitment to the socio-economic development of communities.  In line with this mandate, the centre seeks to strengthen CPUT’s partnerships with industry, private organizations and the community in order to create an environment for the application of knowledge and production of well grounded and socially responsive graduates.

CPUT defines community engagement as those activities and programs offered by the institution which involve collaborative interaction with individuals, groups, and organizations external to CPUT at the local, regional, national and international levels to achieve economic and social objectives using engaged teaching and learning initiatives, volunteerism, research and various forms of work-integrated learning, such as service learning and cooperative education.

In an attempt to implement the above definition, the centre integrates the following three units:

  • Cooperative Education, which is responsible for nurturing industry partnerships that result in student work place learning,
  • Service Learning, that drives the integration of community engagement with teaching, learning and research, as well as
  • Civic Engagement, that coordinates volunteer and outreach programs.

Vision

To establish an empowering environment that supports the development of socially responsive and accomplished students through work-integrated learning based on mutually beneficial partnerships with industry and the community.

Mission

Develop and nurture partnerships between university, community and industry that:

  • create opportunities for students to apply knowledge in real-life situations
  • contribute to socio-economic development
  • facilitate the integration of community engagement activities with teaching, learning and research in collaboration with relevant stakeholders

Employability Improvement Programme

Enhancing employability and soft skill before entering work place is the core aim of the Employment Improvement Programme (EIP) at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

2022 CCEWIL Highlights