A socially responsible university plays a critical role in enhancing educational development and improving the community's quality of life. As we aim to develop the next generation of students for the higher education sector, contributing to aspects of their education by providing them with the necessary tools is essential. 

Since 2017 the office of the DVC: Research and Innovation has managed an annual stationary drive to impact learners in both primary and high school. Over the years the DVC’s office has engaged primary and high schools by motivating learners and equipping them with stationery, which has become very expensive over the years for learners in impoverished communities. As UWC continues to live its values of providing hope and remaining an engaged university, learners from schools such as The Hague Primary in Delft in 2018, Littlewood Primary in Mitchell’s Plain in 2019, Pefferville Primary in East London in 2020 and Pinedene Primary in Ravensmead in 2022 - and a number of other schools - have benefited from this stationary drive. 

This year UWC’s DVC: R&I office visited Uitsig Primary School and Mrs Smith the acting principal shared with us what this initiative means to the school, “We are so grateful to UWC for considering our school, at a time it was most needed. You are truly an example of giving back to the place that laid the foundation for your success. These kids need people like you. Without support from generous people like you, we as a school will not be able to survive.”
 

Ms Pearl Erasmus, an ex-student from the school, said, “Fifty years ago I started my schooling at this very school in grade one. I remember the days I grew up in this area and today I am living proof that something good can come from Uitsig. I am a true example of that! Although, there is so much negative stigma attached to this area, such as gangsterism and poverty; we were labelled by our neighbours and community. But If you believe in yourself in spite of all that is against you, your dreams can become a reality. My dream for you is that you will become what God intended you to be. As I have gone through life's journey. I want to leave you with the following; You can, you will, because I have already.”

The DVC and her staff will continue to make a difference in the lives of our young ones and create awareness of UWC as a place of hope, and a place to grow through knowledge.

See gallery below for more images (courtesy the Office of the DVC: Research and Innovation).