CALL TO ACTION: OUR VOLUNTEERING STORY

 

(by Mamello Mpiti, Thaboeteng Ncube, Thandeka-Luhle Ncube)

This year marked a significant milestone for us as we launched the UNICEF CLUB @ The University of Johannesburg. Embarking on this journey with no prior experience in running a club, we embraced the first semester as a crucial opportunity to learn and develop the skills needed to advocate for children's right to education through impactful actions. The experience was truly transformative, shaping our character and fortifying our resolve. Despite numerous setbacks, our commitment to our mission fueled our determination to overcome challenges and adapt. We organized successful events, engaged actively with the university community, and forged valuable partnerships.

These efforts not only built a strong foundation for our club but also enhanced our ability to drive meaningful change. Reflecting on our journey, we are proud of our achievements and excited about the future, ready to continue advocating for every child's right to quality education with renewed vigor and confidence.

Recruitment for the UNICEF UJ club began right after the new executive committee took office, skipping the usual February recruitment week. We created a WhatsApp group chat and shared the link to attract potential volunteers, resulting in over 500 interested individuals joining the group chats. We held a five-day induction program as a selection process, requiring volunteers to attend at least three days to qualify for membership. Thirty volunteers met this requirement and were selected. After their selection, we focused on integrating them into our programs and preparing for a second formal recruitment during society recruitment week. This strategy ensured a manageable and committed volunteer base, setting a solid foundation for future activities.

Our Activities: Literacy program

We continued our partnership with BGCSA Vrededorp and quickly started our literacy program with a dedicated response team. On the first day, our team had an induction session where they spent the day bonding and playing games with the children. Consistency was our top priority, and we succeeded by volunteering every Thursday and Friday.

 However, our schedule changed when winter came, making it unsafe for our volunteers due to early darkness, and exam season was also approaching. Despite this, our regular visits allowed us to keep track of the children's progress. We observed significant improvements in their confidence and positive changes in their behavior.

How volunteering looked for us:

1. **Power Hour Homework Help**: During power hour, our volunteers helped children with their homework. Volunteers were assigned subjects they were strong in and assisted children accordingly with their preferred subjects.

 

2. **Fun Activities**: After power hour, or if there was no power hour, volunteers created fun activities for the children. The children were divided by grade for specific subject teachings, but not for fun activities. These activities, like team scavenger hunts and assembling words, aimed to encourage teamwork and creative thinking.

 

The kids have warmed up to us and grown fond of us, which is heartwarming. Towards the end of the semester, we partnered with new BGCSA locations in Pimville and Bertrams. New teams have been appointed to volunteer at these locations and have been introduced to their new partners and the children they will work with. They will start volunteering next semester.

Nutrition

On March 4th, which is World Obesity Day, we managed to implement a campaign set out by UNICEF South Africa for our partner, BGCSA Vrededorp, despite being in the middle of the recruitment process. UNICEF South Africa sent us a WOD kit that included obesity cards, "My Body, My Health, My Wealth" branded water bottles, bags, fruits, and water.

The second phase of the campaign involved a workshop attended by our nutrition volunteers. For their participation, they received a certificate of attendance.

Other Activities

Five volunteers assisted at an event hosted by UNICEF South Africa at FotoZA, which featured a photo exhibition and book publication on the environment and climate change. The volunteers helped manage the event proceedings, with two from communications, two from literacy, and one from the executive team.

 UNICEF UJ Achievements

In its first semester of 2024, UNICEF UJ achieved significant successes. Responding to high volunteer enthusiasm, we created and redesigned several programs focusing on mental health and career development, complementing our literacy and nutrition initiatives. Despite challenges, our First Response Team implemented events effectively, earning us a certificate and recognition, especially for our contributions to the Nutrition campaign.

We efficiently managed our budget by using membership fees to fund resources and transportation, expanding the impact of our literacy campaign. As we look forward to the new semester, we anticipate fresh ideas, cooperation, and more opportunities to make a positive impact on children's well-being.