Centurion students sow seeds of change with sustainability outreach projects

While climate challenges and environmental degradation continue to threaten ecosystems and communities worldwide, a Centurion institution is dedicated to teaching students the importance of sustainability.

The NewBridge Graduate Institute (NGI) achieves this through its flagship outreach programme dubbed Sustain, which is donation-funded.

In an interview with Rekord, the institution’s spokesperson, Timothy Verne, explained that the initiative was launched at the end of 2024 to align with NGI’s core values.

“This was also done to help us empower student leaders who uplift their communities,” he said.

Verne said the programme is built around seven foundational principles, which include service, unity, sustainability, teaching, advocacy, impact, and networking.

“Service represents NGI’s commitment to giving back and supporting communities, while unity focuses on building lasting relationships and fostering collaboration.

“Sustainability reflects the institute’s dedication to environmental responsibility and to creating projects with a long-term, positive impact.”

He added that through teaching, using the outreach as a platform for education and advocacy, it encourages students to speak up, participate, and engage meaningfully in their environments.

“Impact ensures that all initiatives result in real, measurable change, while networking highlights the importance of expanding NGI’s connections, reach, and partnerships across sectors and communities.”

The programme includes a wide variety of projects both on and off campus, such as car wash fundraisers, food and clothing collection drives, visits to retirement homes, feeding initiatives, and the creation of sustainable vegetable gardens.

Verne said the type and frequency of activity depend entirely on the needs of the organisation or school involved.

“For example, the planting done in June at Irene Primary School addressed a specific need at that time.

“Students from the Highveld Campus came together for a day of action, helping to establish a vegetable garden on the school grounds,” he said.

With the support of NGI staff, Grade 6 learners, and NGI student Amber Hawkey, the children were introduced to sustainable gardening methods.

Hawkey delivered an engaging presentation, capturing the attention of the young learners and inspiring them to participate actively.

“When I watched the learners plant their seeds, I was reminded that even the tiniest acts of kindness can have a significant impact.

“We planted more than simply a garden with this project. We planted growth, hope, and a long-lasting bond between nature and education,” she said.

All the teams involved worked together to transform an empty patch of land into a thriving vegetable garden through hands-on teamwork and determination.

In May, Centurion students and NGI staff also participated in a community clean-up around Bank Avenue and nearby intersections.

Verne explained that, while the clean-up involved picking up litter and engaging with the public, its purpose was much deeper.

“This was collective action with purpose,” he said.

“When our staff and students work together in the community, they demonstrate what it means to lead with integrity and compassion.”

NGI’s project manager, Bernadette Loretz, who co-ordinated the clean-up, described the day as inspiring and humbling.

“This project reflects what we stand for at the institution: collaboration, community, and creating sustainable change.”

She added that the initiative served as a reminder that a cleaner, happier environment is possible when people come together with a shared vision.

Students such as Pearl Mabunda, who took part in the clean-up, described the experience as meaningful and rewarding.

“I volunteered for the NGI Centurion community clean-up because I believe small actions create big change. Making a difference starts with showing up,” she said.

Mabunda added that participating in the initiative made her feel more connected to both her peers and her city and gave her a sense of pride in giving back.

Verne said these projects are open to all current students and staff, regardless of which field they are in, and that student involvement is promoted through WhatsApp, campus posters, newsletters, and social media announcements.

“A considerable portion of the co-ordination is managed by NGI’s Student Representative Council, which also plays a key role in encouraging other students to take part in the various initiatives.”

He highlighted that one of the institute’s most significant achievements is becoming officially accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC).

“This means that NGI students can now have the peace of mind that they are studying at an internationally recognised Council for Higher Education and BAC-accredited institution,” he said.

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