Matie Community Service (MCS/MGD) in the Division for Social Impact, recently held its annual general meeting (AGM). The AGM provides an opportunity to reflect on work of the past year and creates an opportunity to celebrate the people who benefit from the work of MCS.
Sulina Green, Chair of the MGD Management Board said: “one of the ideals of MGD is to empower people to reach their full potential" ,
Dr Antoinette Smith-Tolken, Director of Social Impact and acting Head of MGD said MGD's work embraces the ideal of reciprocity whereby everyone involved is enriched and is developed through activities we jointly develop and decide on.
The Adult Education & Training Programme is continuing with MGD in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training. In June 2017, 89 learners wrote the matric exam. Currently 104 learners have registered for the 2017/2018 matric year. Mr Ronald Amos, a learner of the Matric Programme who passed in June 2017 said “I am thankful for the affordable MGD initiative. Thank you for continuing the programme which allowed us to complete our matric".
The One Stop Programme caters for students who are involved in initiatives through clusters or single residences in Stellenbosch and Tygerberg. The training courses MGD offers have grown in Stellenbosch and nationally. Mr MacRay Mouton, a One Stop Programme student volunteer, said “with MGD my life took a different course. The impact personally is big for the student and the community. Working in clusters allows for a bigger impact" he said.
The Primary Health Care Programme provides students with opportunities to have real world clinical experiences. Mr Piero Saieva, a final year medical student who participates in the Primary Health Care Programme said, “we get to spend more time with the patient. Our presence grows within the community and partnerships develop. We learn a lot about communities this way. As students, we get more clinical exposure which helps us to become better doctors. We also get to spend more time with qualified doctors and gain experience from working with them".
Mrs Avril Whate closed the meeting with a word of thanks and said “It is a good feeling knowing that what we do makes a difference in the lives of others".
