The Department of Urban and Regional Planning, with the support of the Faculty of Informatics and Design, hopes to make a long-lasting impact on a Langa-based orphan village.
In pursuance of the vision of the institution and faculty, the Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Design, Prof Tembisa Ngqondi, tasked the department with conceptualising and implementing a humanitarian initiative in the manner of ‘67-minutes for Mandela’.
The resultant initiative is centred on improving the quality of life of 20 children who are housed at the Siyaphambili Orphan Village.
With the backing of the faculty, the department decided to adopt the home to ensure that that the relationship has a long-term impact, particularly in terms of skills development.
Five staff members, an alumnus and 25 urban and regional planning students recently visited the Siyaphambili Orphan Village to deliver various goods, including toiletries, sanitary items, food, clothing, soccer balls and skipping ropes.
They also lent a hand in the preparation of the meals for the children and cleaning the house and the yard.
Lecturer,Kwena Letsoalo said: “This outreach effort serves as a big step towards achieving the objective of forming partnerships between CPUT and communities, and in the process preparing the students for their roles as change agents who enhance the well-being of community members.”
During the handover of the goods, Prof Masilonyane Mokhele, Head of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, said: “As planners, we always strive to improve the conditions of communities, hence we decided to visit the Siyaphambili Orphanage home to share the little that we have. We believe this should not be a one-off event, so today is just the start – we will definitely come back.”
Siphokazi Xameni, the manager and caregiver at the orphanage responded: “Thank you, CPUT. It’s the little things that make a huge difference. I normally tell people that it is not always about material things but just giving your time. You have blown me away because we really need these, and when I spoke to Mzi (Mzingisi Muluse, (Department of Urban and Regional Planning’s Technician), he acted as if it’s something small.”
Dominic Stanford (CPUT Urban and Regional Planning alumnus) was ecstatic and noted: “The outreach initiative was a great success! I believe it provided the students with a sense of purpose. Initiatives like these tie back to the essence of our profession - collaborating and improving the lives of community members. Like the caregiver at the Siyaphambili Orphan Village said, it is not just about giving out material things, but rather about sharing and giving space to the children.”
Speaking on behalf of the third-year students, Siyamthanda Malawana said “We were very touched by this experience as we got to know more about the reasons children are placed in the orphanage. As much as we would have loved to spend more time with the children, we are extremely happy and appreciative of the moments we shared with them.”
Second-year student, Khanyisile Jubeju, said: “Providing a clean, safe and secure place for children is very important and I was honoured to be a part of the visit. I helped clean up the place, and seeing the gratitude was eye-opening. I had an amazing experience. In urban and regional planning, there is an emphasis on working with people and I feel that this was a great way to connect with the community.”
First-year student, Zoleka Malamba was moved by visit.
“I had a medley of emotions flowing through my body. I felt thankful for being part of this initiative. I would like to express my gratitude to the department for such an eye-opening opportunity. From the entire first-year group, our hearts are singing gratitude, Kwande!”
Written by CPUT News
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