Student organisations mainly use their societies weeks for marketing purposes in order to increase their visibility on campus. However, United Nations Association of South Africa (UNASA) week focused on both networking with the Stellenbosch University (SU) student body and its community projects namely sanitary pad and food donations to various organisations.
Naledi Kgosana, vice chairperson of UNASA, highlighted that UNASA week must always encompass all of the pillars of the organisation including social justice which involves a significant presence on campus and speaking about issues that are pertinent to students.
UNASA members talk to students about the society on the rooiplein. PHOTO: Alundrah Sibanda
“We make sure that people are activated not just activists so they are empowered with information and tools to do something about the things that we inform them about,” said Kgosana. “We are also involved in social impact through community service projects in Kayamandi, Cloetesville and at the night shelter,” Kgosana explains.
Kgosana emphasised that UNASA week must incorporate the work of the student organisation’s dedicated volunteers. This was evident as donors assisted with the sanitary pad and fruit donations to the night shelter on Tuesday. UNASA also stretched its sanitary wear donation to help the pad drive at SU campus radio station, MFM92.6.
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The volunteers who took part in the sandwich drive for the night shelter on Wednesday at Simonsberg men’s residence expressed that volunteering in community projects is their duty as a part of the privileged few in society.
Xola Njengele packs the sandwiches made by students at Simonsberg residence. PHOTO: Alundrah Sibanda
“I think it’s really important to get involved in drives such as the ones UNASA does because as a student it’s so easy to get caught up in your own little world and forget that we have a responsibility especially in the position that we hold as the educated; elite to help others and be a positive influence in our country,” said Kelly Pearson (19), a BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics student at SU.
UNASA members and volunteers prepare 1067 sandwiches to donate to the night shelter. PHOTO: Alundrah Sibanda
“I feel like if you have been given the platform to be studying or to improve other people’s lives because you are in a privileged position then you should be doing that, ” added Jessica Louw (19), a BA Social Dynamics student who also volunteered at the sandwich drive.
Jessica Scott, (22) the former Chairperson of UNASA, explained that UNASA’s approach to its community outreach extends beyond merely making donations but also involves interaction with the recipients.
“For us a key element is human dignity. Homeless people in Stellenbosch are treated really badly, unfairly and there’s a lot of stigma around them but going to the shelter is important because UNASA members get to engage with the people at the shelter.”
“Everyone at the shelter is always so willing to share their stories and for a lot of them being at the shelter is a huge achievement because you have to be sober,” said Scott.