Disaster Management Evacuation Plan practice at Ikhabantwna Day Care Centre
PORT ALFRED – During a recent breakfast meeting, members of the Ndlambe community and leadership from Stenden South Africa gathered to reflect on the profound ripple effect of small connections and long-lasting partnerships.
Dr. Wouter Hensens, Executive Dean of Stenden South Africa, noted that the scope of these initiatives has grown to an extraordinary scale. Addressing the staff, he remarked that the individuals and organizations benefiting from the work started by students and faculty are numerous and too many to mention.
A Web of Community Upliftment
While the sheer volume of interlinked initiatives makes them difficult to quantify, the stories emerging from the region serve as a powerful testament to their success. Every department within Stenden South Africa is tied to a community project. While the dedicated Community Development department leads these efforts, students and faculty across all disciplines play a vital role in empowering the region each month.
Transformation Through Education
Stenden’s primary vehicle for change remains education. Through a long-standing partnership with Nemato Change a Life, the institution has seen individuals transition from living at the local dump to completing school and entering college programs.
“It is humbling to realize that we are able to have such a huge impact on the lives of people that society often views as the lowest,” said Mr. Zuko Mangele, Community Development Co-ordinator.
The reach of these educational efforts includes:
Stenden Students enjoy working with the children of Ndlambe
- Early Childhood Development: Raising funds and providing labor for Ikhabantwna, Cindy’s, and Siyazama Educare Centres.
- After-Care Support: Regular student engagement with Ingubo Children’s Haven and Entandweni Development Centre.
- School Partnerships: Ongoing collaboration with Bathurst Primary, Khayasa Combined, Dambuza Full Service School, and Phumelela Special Needs Centre.
Advancing Disaster Management & Governance
Impact extends beyond the classroom into the very safety of the Ndlambe region. Disaster Management students are involved from their first year, assessing risks and creating prevention plans. Key achievements include:
- Fire and flood management plans for East Bank and Station Hill.
- A comprehensive Risk Assessment for the Royal Alfred Marina.
- The launch of a Citizen Science project for water monitoring of the Kowie River.
Furthermore, Stenden assists local initiatives in achieving longevity by helping them navigate NPO registration, educator certification, and the creation of formal action plans.
Stakeholders attended the opening of the new rooms at Siyazama Educare Centre
A Legacy of Perspective
Reflecting on 25 years of engagement, the impact is perhaps most visible in the stories of individual growth. Mr. John Mabote of the Entrepreneurship Center highlighted how computer literacy courses have redefined career paths for graduates.
Dr. Hensens also emphasized the “shift in perspective” experienced by international students. He cited a 2022 international student who raised funds for a Nemato after-care center and has since returned with a group of friends to continue the work.
“The exposure to these situations has the biggest impact,” said Dr. Hensens. “Students learn to understand the plight of those less fortunate and make it a personal mission to contribute to their surrounding community, both here and internationally.”