Centurion students sow seeds of change with sustainability outreach projects
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.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Calls grow for better waste solutions in Ward 98 communities
Leaders in Ward 98 have shared that much more needs to be done to address the root causes of littering. This, as illegal dumping and the lack of accessible landfill sites remain obstacles towards a cleaner and healthier community. While recent initiatives such as the rollout of new household bins have brought relief to residents, the local leaders are calling for reform in the waste sector to ensure a cleaner society. Ward 98 committee member for the Environment and Agriculture portfolio, Thabo Moroane, said the recent bin delivery campaign was based on the understanding that many bins are either damaged beyond repair or stolen. 'The decision to roll out was based on the premise that bins get damaged or stolen. But household bins alone cannot solve littering across our ward. We need concrete bins on every corner of our streets,' he said. 'The issue of illegal dumping remains an elephant in the room and, importantly, the scarcity of landfills. We need sustainable solutions that give residents legal, convenient ways to dispose of their waste,' he explained. While many residents have welcomed the new bins, Moroane stressed that a clean ward is a shared responsibility. 'It will have an impact in the long run because not only do we bring services to the doorstep, but we also deliver a message about the fundamentals of no littering. 'We also drive home the importance of taking ownership of our ward, in particular to our youth and children,' he said. For Moroane, the problem is not just about waste management infrastructure, but also education. He said that through community clean-up initiatives and outreach programmes at schools and churches, residents can educate their children, especially those at primary school, about the importance of a clean environment. Residents said the challenges are visible in everyday life. Ellen Masemola of Hesteapark said illegal dumping has become worse over the past few years. Masemola added that they've seen people dumping in open spaces, and that's frustrating, because they try to keep the area clean, but all it takes is one person to ruin it for everyone. 'If the municipality could give us more accessible dumping sites or bins, people might stop doing it.' Moroane has also raised concern about the difference in cleanliness across the ward. 'I have benchmarked Sinoville and Pretoria East in terms of their environmental cleanliness and their obsession with fighting illegal dumping. 'Within Ward 98, there are community areas that are clean and well-maintained, while large parts continue to degrade. It can't be correct. 'The cleanliness you see when you enter Ninapark must be the same when you enter Eldorette or Hesteapark,' he said. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
The Citizen
12-08-2025
- The Citizen
Homeless receive hot meals in Silverton
Recently, concerned residents of Silverton organised a meal drive to provide warmth and nourishment to the homeless people living on Moreleta Street, to foster a spirit of humanity and compassion in their neighbourhood. One of the residents, William Lebudi, said the initiative on August 9 aimed to offer relief to the growing number of people living on the streets. 'As residents who live around here, we pass by our brothers and sisters sleeping out here in the cold every day,' he said. Their shared concern made them feel the need to act rather than just watch. They wanted to show the homeless people that they are seen and that they matter. 'Every day, homeless people face a struggle for survival. We want to give those near us a break from that,' he said. Residents contributed fresh bread, juice and vegetables for soup, and prepared hot meals for those in need. WATCH: Lebudi added that the initiative was to make all the relevant organisations aware of the growing number of homeless people in the community. 'We hope that the appropriate departments see that there is a huge need for them to intervene,' he said. He added that during the meal drives, the homeless people ask them about shelter or rehabilitation options. Another resident, Elizabeth Kruger, shared that the meal drive was more than just providing food, saying, 'It is a demonstration of the human connection within our community,' she said. She expressed her hope that other community members would step forward to support vulnerable residents. One recipient, Godfrey Shikah, expressed his gratitude for the meals. 'Not even your closest family would do what they do for us. These people don't even know us, but they are looking after us,' he said. He further described the harsh reality of living on the streets, highlighting the challenges he faces. 'It's very hard to survive here; some people blame us for things we didn't even do,' he said, closing with, 'Sometimes they call the police on us, and we get chased away.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
The Citizen
09-08-2025
- The Citizen
Local centre aims to create safe space for children with disabilities
When Scheán Babst founded the Chrysalis School & Developmental Centre (then known as the Baby Therapy Centre) 31 years ago, she hoped to create a space where children with disabilities could receive the dignity and care they deserved to develop to their fullest potential. 'We know what it means to feel helpless, to feel alone, and to still want the best for your child,' said the mother to a 19-year-old son who is autistic, non-verbal, and fully dependent on others for his daily care. Chrysalis School was founded to meet the growing need to support these children who are often overlooked by conventional schooling systems. The organisation began in 1994 and later expanded in 2008 to include a free specialised school. To date, the school supports 35 school learners and 10 children in a daycare therapy unit, offering services to children from across Tshwane, regardless of background or diagnosis. Babst said it operates as a multidisciplinary therapy centre, focused on therapy-based learning rather than academic achievement. Their team includes occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and music therapists, a dietician, and more. 'The children we help often live with conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, genetic syndromes, brain injuries, and developmental delays. 'This is not a job for any of us. We are doing this because it is deeply personal.' Residents of Lynnwood Gardens Estate recently came together to raise R100 000 for Chrysalis School. The funds were raised through the estate's annual wine auction, a community event organised by resident Andrew van Berg and the estate's social committee. Babst said the donation will support the school's ongoing outreach projects and its Godfather Project, a bursary initiative that connects donors directly with a child in need. Van Berg explained that the wine auction, now in its eighth year, has become the estate's flagship charity event. He said they initially aimed to raise R50 000, but residents were so generous that they doubled that. 'As a community, we have always had an open hand. This is about showing up for each other,' he said. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
