2006/2007 - University of Swaziland

Centre for Community Service - ContinuedSupport volunteerism and extra-curricula communityinvolvement by students and staff;Promote cooperate partnership with communitiesand service sectors;Facilitate the integration of community service inUNISWA’s quality assurance for programmes;Promote community service–oriented researchaimed at solving national development problems;Support and encourage UNISWA to give recognitionto staff for community service;Promote the marketing of integrated communityservice projects and programmes.EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe Centre continues to work with different stakeholdersto facilitate the provision of community services to theSwazi nation. While previous reports have reflectedother activities of the Centre, this year’s report is devotedto profiling the commendable efforts of the studentswho continue to inspire and support various communities.The students who are members of the clubs and societiesare volunteers who contribute their time and resourcestowards the upliftment of the larger society. It takes aparticular character to volunteer to do communityservice, given the challenges students face with theiracademic studies. We thus hail them as ‘heroes’ whodeserve special appreciation and believe that as theygraduate from UNISWA their experience and leadershipskills should be further harnessed for the greater goodof the Swazi nation. Thus we urge more students tojoin these clubs and societies.THE CENTRE CONDUCTED THE FOLLOW-ING ACTIVITIES:A workshop on UNISWA community: How andwhat is our vulnerability to risks and hazards in theWorkplace?” was held in April 2006. The meeting wasofficially opened by the Vice Chancellor Professor C.M.Magagula. He noted that the institution faces tremendouschallenges in meeting its various mandates withinan environment that is fraught with risks.The aim of the meeting was to sensitise senior management(Deans, Directors and Heads of Units) on risksassociated with pending community service by staffand students. It is also explored the health-relatedaspects of the work environment. A presentation bythe Internal Auditor focused on the finances and generalmanagement of the institution. The recommendationof the meeting was that UNISWA should develop apolicy on risks in the workplace.A seminar on “Information-sharing on HIV/Aidswithin UNISWA's Community” was co-hosted withthe Health Information and Counselling Centre(HICC). The forum discussed information sharing;the concept of health and wellness in the contextof HIV/AIDS, the roles of counseling and communityvolunteerism in the fight against HIV/AIDS.On March 2007 the Centre held its annual roundtablemeeting with representatives of student’s organisations.Fourteen societies and clubs presentedreports. During this session the assistant Dean ofStudent Affairs, Mrs. T. P. Mabuza, gave a keynoteaddress on behalf of the Dean. She commendedand encouraged students' leaders to continue withthe good work, and pledged support for the effortsthe efforts the societies make. She further advocateda strong recruitment drive so that membership ofthe societies may increase and that the groupsshould also collaborate with each other.During the afternoon session the meeting had a seminaron ‘Substance Abuse” which was hosted by the RotaractClub and the Centre. The guest speaker was Mr. Mbongenifrom the Swaziland Charitable Trust.COMMUNITY OUTREACH BY STUDENTS'SOCIETIES AND CLUBSSince 2004 the Centre has established a working relationshipwith students’ organisations providing communityoutreach projects. During each academic yearevery organisation presents its work plan and currentprojects during a roundtable meeting. The aim is toshare experiences and, where necessary, seek financialor material support from the Centre.During March 2007 the partnership was made formallyoperational through the establishment of a CommunityService Committee.78REPORT OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR 2006-2007