Students from the NewBridge Graduate Institute (NGI) Fourways recently volunteered at the Diepsloot Foundation, a community nursery and support initiative located near Fourways.

The Diepsloot Foundation provides children, ages 3 to 6, with a safe space to learn, grab a sustainable meal, and receive care, while their parents are at work.

This project forms part of NGI’s ongoing Sustain Project, an initiative that enables tertiary level students to give back by volunteering and engaging with their local community.

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The students were greeted by children singing the South African National Anthem, welcoming the team of students as they arrived at the community shelter, before they provided the kids with an interesting and age-appropriate physical education curriculum, created by NGI sports management students.

Abenathi Shabangu, a first-year student at the NGI Fourways campus, shared that they had an awesome time with the kids.

“The facilitators, and the children, made us feel welcome, and took an active interest by taking part in the activities we conducted with the kids. Their sincere commitment to children of the Diepsloot community, and their work, is what really impressed me”.

The programme focuses on the importance physical education plays in the development of young children, promoting and encouraging physical health and improving social, emotional, and mental stability, while enriching cognitive development. All of which are essential elements to build confidence and motivation in our youth.

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NGI students helped create an exciting atmosphere at the Diepsloot Foundation, encouraging education and family empowerment for the kids. Both the kids and the NGI volunteers were deeply impacted by the day, which was full of enthusiasm, education, and teamwork.

The NGI Fourways students, and the kids, then sat down to share a meal with each other before saying their goodbyes.

“Projects, like Sustain, demonstrate that education extends beyond the classroom,” said NGI Fourways principal Cisna Botes.

“They allow our students to develop teamwork, empathy, and social responsibility, while making a meaningful contribution to the community.

“NGI is dedicated to fostering community growth and development, and inspiring young children through meaningful, engaging, and stimulating engagement.”

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