The Tangaza University College (TUC) represented the Uniservitate Africa hub at the Conference on “Community Engagement and the Trajectory of Community-University-Society Relationship: Past, Present and Future Possibilities” organized by Rhodes University, Makhanda, 120 years after its establishment. The presentations discussed community engagement in terms of conceptual, pedagogical, ethical and academic social responsibility. The session on the pedagogical approach delved into the specifics of solidarity service-learning.
The Director of Sustainability and Community Impact at North-West University, referent of the Uniservitate Africa Hub and member of the Academic Sounding Board of that Programme, Bibi Bowman, participated in a panel discussion on the “Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement in the South African Context”. This reflection highlighted that any adoption or adaptation of classification systems should consider differences in context to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. In this regard, Bouwman shared Furco’s rubric as an alternative for the African context.
Margaret Aringo and Daniel Akila Wesonga from TUC gave a presentation on “Integrity for the Just Nation: Service-Learning and Community Engagement”. Aringo presented an experience of the Institute of Spirituality and Religious Formation at Tangaza University College and the Catholic Department of Justice and Peace, led by students during the last Lent in small, Christian communities in the inner city. Various religious activities and exchanges of views among neighbours helped raise awareness of individual rights, autonomy and cultural identity. Also from the University, Moses Mugambi, Lina Kithinji and Gabriel Mario presented the poster “Exploring the Role of Student Volunteers in Psychosocial Support Programs: A Pedagogical Perspective”. The presentation advocated for the transformative potential of student volunteers in fostering positive social change through psychosocial support programs within correctional facilities.
Bibi Bowman, Margaret Aringo and Daniel Akila Wesonga in the Conference organized by Rhodes University, Makhanda
