In celebration of Mandela month and Mandela Day on the 18th July, UKZN Extended Learning (UEL) decided to embark on three initiatives in order to create a positive impact in society. A number of initiatives were put forward by staff members and these were then voted on. The top 3 were then supported by UEL and staff.
The first initiative we supported was a Beach Clean-up along the Durban coastline. Each staff member that attended dedicated 67minutes in order to pick up litter and create a better environment, both land and marine, for our beautiful city.
Our second initiative was supporting the SPCA Amanzimtoti. We had a collective drive amongst staff for dog and cat food, toys etc. and this was well supported. UEL also contributed R5000 worth of items including dog/cat food, beds, toys, rice, mince etc. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit on site with the SPCA team, where we also had the opportunity to walk the adoption dogs. The staff and volunteers at SPCA Amanzimtoti were appreciative of the donations that would go a long way to support the animals in their care.
Our third and final initiative for Mandela month was a visit to The Baby House in Westville. The Baby House is a safe house for abandoned babies and was established to care for and nurture babies until they are adopted. We also had a collection drive amongst staff for donations of groceries, nappies, formula and toys. UEL also contributed R5 000 towards purchasing their wish list items. The Baby House was a humbling experience for our staff who engaged with the babies, playing with them and feeding them lunch. We grew so attached in the short time we were there, it was hard to say goodbye. We will most definitely be visiting again for more cuddle sessions.
