The Unisa Alumni Relations Office recently visited alumni in Windhoek, Namibia, to strengthen community ties and foster alumni engagement in the region. The visit included an outreach event at the Katutura Old Age Home, an establishment caring for over 20 elderly individuals from less fortunate backgrounds. Demonstrating commitment to social responsibility, the Namibia Alumni Chapter, under the leadership of Dr Colen Tuaundu, donated clothes and blankets to the home.
"As alumni of the University of South Africa, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of those in need," stated Tuaundu. "Not only are we willing to support Unisa's academic agenda, but we also aim to carry the Unisa brand into communities in need."
In addition to this outreach, the office hosted a dinner for alumni to celebrate collective achievements and inspire alumni to further their studies at Unisa. Dr Sellina Nkosi, Senior Lecturer at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, addressed the gathering, reminding alumni of their role as visible ambassadors for Unisa in Namibia. She encouraged them to spread awareness of the programmes offered by their alma mater, highlighting the importance of continued education.
"You are the ambassadors for our institution," said Nkosi. "Your influence and visibility in Namibia play a crucial role in expanding Unisa’s reach."
The Namibia chapter is planning to visit a rural school soon. The aim of this visit will be to encourage learners as they prepare for upcoming exams and to introduce them to the benefits of online learning as a flexible path to higher education.
The Unisa Alumni Relations Office, in partnership with the Marketing Department, launched a collaborative initiative to strengthen connections with university alumni while promoting Unisa’s master’s and doctoral programmes. By integrating networking efforts and leveraging alumni gatherings as platforms to showcase academic advancement opportunities, this collaboration has not only sustained alumni engagement but also sparked interest in Unisa’s postgraduate offerings.
* By Cilla Boucher, Alumni Relations Officer, Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations, Department of Institutional Advancement, with input from ChatGPT
Publish date: 2024-10-31 00:00:00.0