Change the world

Nelson Mandela University prides itself on being an engaged university – working closely with the broader community, as it carries out critical scholarship, for a better future for all. Missionvale Campus works in partnership with various communities in the implementation of long-term programmes, short-term projects and campaigns.

Law Clinic

The Law Clinic has been in existence for more than 30 years and, since the beginning of 2007, has operated as a unit of the Institute for Law in Action (ILA) of the Law Faculty. The clinic is a fully-fledged Legal Aid Office which operates like a professional law firm and is currently staffed by qualified professionals. The clinic brings legal services closer to people who, due to low income, may ordinarily not be able to access private legal care. Apart from serving individual members of the local community, the unit has also extended its reach to welfare and civic organizations in Port Elizabeth who often refer clients. Paralegal services offered at the clinic include the provision of advice and assistance to local clients, generally relating to domestic matters that include inter alia, the writing of letters, completion of official forms.

STEM in Action

The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) in Action programme aims to stimulate interest in Physical Science and to empower learners to perform well enough in the subject, to enable them to follow careers in Science and Technology. STEM’s target group is Grade 10, 11 and 12 Physical Science learners from high schools with a track record of excellence in Physical Science and Mathematics in the NCS final examinations. STEM also acts as a support function for educators, in an effort to improve their competence and confidence in teaching the Physical Science curriculum to their learners. The educators are encouraged to co-facilitate the lessons, thereby developing and strengthening their own knowledge and skills.

High School Engagement Programme

Missionvale Campus, working with high schools in the area, identified four main focus areas for this learner-focused programme (which runs in six high schools in KwaMagxaki, Zwide, Govan Mbeki and New Brighton). They are: ICT infrastructure improvement and support; career development; psycho-social support: and academic/subject strengthening for learners.

Community Psychology Clinic

The Community Psychology Clinic, a satellite of the University Psychology Clinic, has a long history of providing quality and affordable psychological assessment, counseling and therapy for the broader community of Nelson Mandela Bay. The majority of its clients are children under the age of eighteen. In response to the increasing demand for mental health services, the clinic collaborated with Walter Sisulu University’s Psychiatric Department and Dora Nginza Hospital, to establish the Ukhanyo Community Clinic, which offers weekly psychiatric services.

Centre for the Community Schools

Community Schools are schools that are actively involved in building partnerships with parents, the broader community, and other education stakeholders to support the academic and social development of children and young people. The Centre for the Community Schools (CCS) advocates the Community School as a credible, replicable and sustainable model for educational improvement in South Africa. It co-hosts the Manyano Community Schools programme that brings together teachers, learners and policy makers to share emerging research and best practice.

Centre for Integrated Post-School Education and Training (CIPSET)

CIPSET works closely with the Department of Higher Education and Training and other stakeholders, towards strengthening national education policy and strategy. Its work aims to reposition education in the post-school education and training (PSET) sector, and to engage with the societal issues of inequality, poverty and unemployment. CIPSET’s work is based on the principles of social justice and solidarity in building alternative education programmes with working class and marginalised students and communities.

Aquaponics

The aquaponics unit is housed on Missionvale Campus and is collaborative partnership between INMED South Africa, Mondelez South Africa and the university. Aquaponics is a new-age production technique that brings together aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soilless crop production) in order to cultivate fresh produce and fish. The aquaponics unit forms part of a broader Health in Action programme established to promote healthy lifestyles, address obesity and alleviate hunger among primary school children.

Emthonjeni Student Wellness

This centre runs a career assessment programme for Grade 12 learners, and a subject choice programme for Grade 9 learners. Assessments are also provided to employed adults wanting to change their career path.

Madibaz Sport

Madibaz Sports holds Memoranda of Understanding with a number of sports federations, which allows local and provincial sports clubs access to campus facilities to train and host league events.

Library Information Services

Primary and high school learners access the library service, for internet-based information searches, and to study.