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Creating societal impact
Creating societal impact
Group assignments were used as a method to instil community engagement in the course. Literature indicates that learning needs to expand to create societal impact and embed graduate attributes. This research focused on the implementation of community engagement as part of a group assignment in an IS Strategy course (IFS 361) that had more than 250 students.
The details for the assignment was that students were appointed as research assistants, for the December holiday, by the director of ICT in the Department of Health. The director was working on a strategic plan to implement mobile health for patients with diabetes in previously disadvantaged communities. This is due to the number of patients with diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, reaching pandemic levels. Students were expected to understand the use of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) for diabetes self-management and show community members a free diabetes mobile health application and how to find and connect to free WIFI (if it was available).
The execution of this group assignment led to the achievement of graduate attributes such as being critical citizenship and affecting the social good. It also taught students to work independently and in collaboration with others, in a way that is informed by openness, curiosity and a desire to meet new challenges. Additionally, students created new knowledge and understanding through the process of research and inquiry in an innovative way.
IFS 361Group Assignment 2018.pdf
Philippi Village - Community Engagement
Philippi Village - Community Engagement
In my role as Local Chair at the COMPASS conference I helped to arrange a visit to Philippi Village, a remarkable integrated, mixed-use development situated in the heart of the Cape Flats area. The tour was made even more special by the presence of the COMPASS keynote speaker, Bushra Razak, who personally guided us through Philippi Village and provided invaluable insights into their initiatives. This report aims to highlight our experience during this enlightening tour.
Key takeaways from the visit include:
• Empowering Communities: Philippi Village is more than just a development; it's a symbol of empowerment for the local community. Bushra Razak's commitment to this cause is inspiring.
• Entrepreneurial Resilience: We witnessed the tenacity of local entrepreneurs who, despite challenges, are striving to create a better future for themselves and their communities.
• Collaboration and Support: Philippi Village's collaborative workspaces and facilitating conditions provide essential support for small and micro business owners.
• Importance of Social Engagement: The vibrant and safe environment created by Philippi Village fosters meaningful social engagements that are crucial for community development.
We will endeavour to continue engaging with this community by working in five key areas where they need assistance:
1. Water and Sanitation - The water blocks the road into Philippi Village. The water tested in the Waterfront informal settlement next to Philippi Village is more polluted than sewerage water."
2. Entrepreneurship - Entrepreneurs need to become more resilient, especially in the face of disasters and disruptions to their business.
3. Sustainable farming - The farming area has been flooded recently. Ideas need to be generated to protect farming areas against further disasters.
4. Safety and Security - Phillippi Village has been subject to safety and security threats due to its location.
5. Sustainable Philippi Village ecosystem Philippi Village is currently running at a loss. This threatens the sustainability of this ecosystem. Ideas need to be generated to improve the revenue-generating model.
Photos of the event can be viewed here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CU2Vdis5EObvZb0vyIx9A6oXVGelNejB
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