This initiative was instituted in 2017 by Petro Boshoff who is a social worker responsible for the Meal-a-Day students on the campus in Potchefstroom.

 

The aim of the initiative is to give students from the local community, who participate in programmes such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and Meal-a-Day, the opportunity to discover more about themselves and their personalities, and empower them to become leaders at the university or in their communities. These students formed a subcommittee and will start assisting with the Meal-a-Day programme.

 

Participate in leadership structures

 

“We want to provide these students with development and leadership skills that will encourage them to participate in leadership structures”, says Juan-Ri Potgieter, industrial psychologist and co-coordinator of the initiative. "I have realised that a vast majority of students from the local community are isolated and withdrawn and this is a platform for them to interact with other students, get to know one another and learn how to work together as a team.”

 

Most of the students come from poverty-stricken backgrounds and this initiative equips them with skills that will enable them to help enrich the lives of the people in their communities. It also provides a platform for experiential learning.

 

Be role model for others

 

The day saw speakers from various departments and a lot of positive feedback from the participants. “The students gained immense confidence which in turn will enable them to be role models and the next generation leaders,” says  Petro. “The initiative impacts directly on changing attitudes and perceptions regarding their circumstances and motivation.”

 

Juan-Ri says they are currently sponsored by the SCD, Alumni Relations Department and Van Schaik Potchefstroom, but they need and will appreciate any help from other stakeholders.