Unisa KZN Region hosts impactful Student Mentor Programme

Front, left to right: Silindile Msani, Student Mentor – Durban; Monica Mbele, Student Mentor – Durban); Palesa Mokoatle, Student Mentor – Durban; Rolenne Steto, Student Mentor – Durban and Sizakele Msibi, Student Mentor – Durban Back, left to right: Candice Chetty, Student Counsellor, Student Mentor Co-ordinator, KZN Region; Jessica Green, Student Mentor 2022; Ntombenhle Jele, Student Mentor – Durban; Mthokozisi Ntuli, Student Mentor – Durban; Zamokuhle Dlamini, Student Mentor – Pietermaritzburg; Cathrine Dikgale, Counselling and Career Development Unit, Intern, and Zuziwe Mhlane, Student Counsellor

A volunteer Student Mentor Programme which aims to empower students to become successful at Unisa recently took place in Durban. The programme involves training and mentoring from staff members of the Unisa Directorate: Counselling and Career Development to provide students with valuable opportunities to develop their skills, including personal, career, and learning skills.

The training focuses on reflection and reflective writing, developing a career portfolio, communication skills, self-knowledge, reflecting on strengths and areas of development, setting goals and developing a learning plan, and mentoring. In addition, the online development programme includes topics about Unisa, decision-making, building effective relationships, career management skills, employability and learning skills.

Participants profiles

Students who joined the programmes expressed various reasons for participating, such as wanting to help other students, gain skills for the workplace, give back to the community, or learn more about themselves and how they can develop.

Monica Nobuhle Mkwanazi has a passion for helping others and has found an opportunity to do so through the Student Mentor Programme. She is pursuing her Bachelor of Information Science Degree while volunteering her time to help others. After identifying the shortage of books and the impact on the learners' education in the Kwafelekisi High School library, she took the initiative to address the challenge.

Mthokozisi Ntuli has turned his challenges into an opportunity to help others. Unfortunately, he faced difficulties when first registering for his Law Diploma. Following his challenges, he has learned about the resources available to students and is now committed to helping new students avoid similar hurdles.

Palesa Mokoatle is registered for the BA Counselling Psychology Degree at Unisa. She is in her final year with only two modules left to complete her degree and graduate. She intends to continue her studies up to the master's level. She joined the volunteer programme to give back to the community and support students with their emotional well-being and academic struggles. She collects donations of pre-loved children's clothing, shoes, etc., which she gives to churches to distribute to children living in poverty and orphanages within her community. Mokoatle hopes to expand this project in future. She also supports other community issues, such as poverty and nutrition. She lives in Umlazi and completed her matric at Enaleni Finishing School. Her interests are volunteering, travelling and doing spiritual practices.

Zamokuhle Sonto Dlamini is doing her final year in Public Relations at Unisa. She wanted to be part of the Student Mentor Volunteer Programme to gain skills needed in the workplace and be able to help other students.

Rolenne Simphiwe Steto is a well-rounded individual who enjoys learning and trying new things. Her passion is to help others make a difference in their communities. She also has a homework and reading club. She noted that her experience living in different places has helped her become more adaptable and open-minded. In addition, her artistic talents and love for baking and cooking demonstrate her creativity and willingness to explore different hobbies.

The mentorship programme has a positive impact on the lives of the students who participate in the programme.

*By Jo  Cossavella, Communications Officer, KwaZulu-Natal Region