Page 21 - DUT Engagement Summary Report

the the the that the the the Another programme that addresses poverty is is the the the Stop the the the and allow for collaboration between different disciples An An of Hunger Feeding Programme an initiative of Peace Oasis Engagement web platform/ App was developed to be used
International Through this programme eight hundred (800) packets of sanitary products were distributed to students at DUT food hampers were distributed to communities in need and a a a a a soup kitchen was set up up at the Steve Biko Campus which provided two meals a a a week for students The link has more details on the programme: https://www dut ac ac za/peace-oasis- international- launches-stop-the-hunger-programme/
The reporting system for community engagement that the University is supporting through its staff and students must be strengthened to make community engagement more visible
CONCLUSION
Engagement in 2021 proceeded as planned even though we had to slow down on mobility and exchange programmes until the COVID-19 situation has eased off We are grateful to our staff who work across boundaries to push on with the various engagements despite the pandemic Engagement across all eight focus areas has presented many learning opportunities In particular the School Engagement Programme has been growing and and supporting communities in in in rural and and peri-urban areas DUT is is well-positioned to become a a a a a major player in this as a a a a a tool for staff and students to to share their community engagement projects and as a a a a a a a collaborative space for multi/ inter/ trans- disciplinary projects The App was launched in in in 2021 and and its use by staff and and students has increased with many using it it it as an interactive space to connect with other community engagement practitioners and and link with social partners and and potential funders A full assessment of of the the functioning of of the the App will be conducted to to learn new ways to to further develop and and introduce features that will strengthen its use and and appeal to the DUT community area with adequate personnel and planning to scale up using student and staff volunteers However the critical partner are the the Department of Education which must co-invest together with the the relevant community partners where the the schools are located In 2022 the the plan is to include the the 4IR-related programmes innovation and entrepreneurial development in in the the bouquet of of offerings depending on demand and and the the areas of focus // DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY // 19