In preparation and ahead of the Mr and Miss DUT competition, the Department of Student Governance and Development through its Young Emerging Leaders (YEL), recently visited the Umlazi Place of Safety.
Last week Thursday, finalists of the Mr and Miss DUT competition, together with students taking part at the University’s YEL programme, dedicated their time in an outreach programme at the Umlazi Place of Safety/Child and Youth Care Centre, where they engaged in painting, cleaning and spending time with the children at the centre. The students had also with them sanitary napkins, food parcels and other goodies to hand over to the caregivers and children at the centre.
During the month of July, the Mr and Miss DUT pageant finalists have been engaged on a series of workshops and activities themed “Beauty with a Purpose”, while the YEL fellows are on a year-long programme aimed at developing their leadership potential.
“The visit to the centre was an eye opener, we as a society need to take a stand against the abuse of children, take responsibility of our actions. It is so sad to see young children who have so much to live for but living in fear and sadness. I am glad that the department of Student Governance motivated us to go to the centre,” said Mfaniseni Mnguni, a member of the YEL programme.
The Umlazi Place of Safety/ Child and Youth Care Centre is a non-governmental organisation providing residential facility caring for children and youth. The centre provides support to orphans as well as other vulnerable children ensuring that they have shelter, clothing, and food and that their basic needs are met. The centre cares for boys from birth till the age of five and girls from birth till the age of 17 years.
“The outreach formed part of our Nelson Mandela 67 minutes initiative, it was a great success. We discussed with the centre stakeholders future commitments and DUT students also had lots of fun helping around and with the kids,” said Ndumiso Ngidi, Student Development Practitioner at the Department of Student Governance and development at the University.
Pictured: Mr and Miss DUT contestants and participants of the Young Emerging Leaders Programme outside the Umlazi Place of Safety.
– Noxolo Memela
