In keeping with the Durban University of Technology’s strategic plan on community engagement, the Department of Community Health Studies in the Faculty of Health Sciences held a career day at the Nokunjwa High School in Mkhizwana, Cato Ridge, on 9 June 2015
The Mkhizwana area was specifically chosen as a research site for conducting the University’s flagship project funded by the Medical Research Council relating to maternal health.
After discussions with local traditional leaders and the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Science, Prof T Puckree, recommended that a mobile clinic service be provided in the area.
Community engagement projects by DUT address various issues such as poverty reduction and food, water and health security. Such projects emphasise the core values of DUT that will produce graduates who are equipped with skills to be socially responsible, as well as leaders in the workplace.
According to Faculty of Health Science’s Dr Deseree Alvika Rajpal, the target area is in desperate need of basic primary health care, with a mobile clinic visiting just once a week and no fixed clinic for quite a distance.
“Additionally, other departments within the Faculty (Environmental Health and Somatology) that were initially unable to assist by providing healthcare services were also keen to be involved.
“We then visited two primary schools and a high school in the area and found there was a lack of basic services, such as water, which often forced the school to shut down early. We also found that other essential facilities, like a library, were also absent (at a high school level). Several educators discussed other socio-economic issues, like child-headed households, lack of proper nutrition and teenage pregnancies,” she said.
She added that the career day at the Nokunjwa High School was a great success due to the eagerness of the learners to gain knowledge regarding their prospective study choices.
“Mkhizwana is a remote area with a great disconnect to normal urban living. These learners realise that one of the ways they can have a better future and empower themselves is through education. This is primarily why this event was so well received,” she explained.
Dr Rajpal also thanked Rajendra Maharaj (DUT Manager: Student Recruitment) who assisted immensely in the organisation of the event, as well as other staff members from various DUT departments for their contributions.
The Faculty of Health Science members are hopeful that their community engagement project in Mkhizwana will be sustained over a number of years, and they say student recruitment and career counselling is just one of the many activities that are on the cards to continue.
Pictured: Learners at Nokunjwa High School in Mkhizwana, Cato Ridge, enjoy engaging with DUT staff at the career day.
