IIE’s Varsity College Sandton students drive change through Social Action Projects
From tackling mental health and hunger to promoting gender equality in sport, education students at The IIE’s Varsity College Sandton are proving that future teachers can be powerful agents of change both inside and outside the classroom.
In an inspiring display of leadership, creativity and social commitment, fourth-year Bachelor of Education students from The IIE’s Varsity College Sandton recently showcased their Social Action Projects, a key component of their Teaching Experience module.
The showcase evening highlighted the students’ ability to merge academic learning with real-world challenges faced by schools and their surrounding communities.
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The projects, developed over several months, aimed to address pressing social, environmental and economic issues within local schools.
From campaigns that promote sustainable environmental practices to initiatives that tackle hunger, hygiene, inclusivity, and educational inequality, the students demonstrated that education extends far beyond textbooks.
Several projects focused on mental health and inclusivity, creating supportive learning spaces through workshops on emotional well-being, resilience, and diversity awareness.
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Others worked to improve access to learning materials, such as campaigns to collect and donate books to under-resourced school libraries, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
One particularly noteworthy project came from Omphile Mapetla, a final-year Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching student.
Mapetla’s initiative at Laerskool Kwaggasrand Primary School sought to empower young girls through football, challenging traditional gender roles in sports and promoting equality on and off the field.
“The Social Action Projects we implemented during our Teaching Experience practicals go beyond the classroom,” Mapetla said. “Our projects are designed to make an impactful difference, raise awareness, and inspire not only the school but the surrounding communities to take lasting and sustainable social action.”
Through these projects, the Sandton-based education students showcased how future teachers can lead transformation in local schools, inspiring learners, families, and communities to work together toward a more inclusive and compassionate society.
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