Community Engagement - Making Our Impact Felt

Nelson Mandela said, “A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.” As we reflect on this past term, St David’s Marist Inanda is making strides to improve the world. The generosity of the St David’s Marist community has been evident in all activities that have happened this term. For this, I would like to thank everyone for allowing us to make this impact felt.

In the College, the boys have been actively involved in the 10 weekly visits to the Alexandra Old Age Home and Nursery School and the 3 monthly donations of sanitary pads to our sister school, MC Weiler, also in Alexandra. It was special seeing most of the Grade 8 boys visiting Alexandra during these service events as part of their induction; they have enjoyed these interactions and many continue returning for more. These opportunities have allowed our boys to engage with different communities at different levels. Highlights of these visits include donating pamper packs to the old age home residents on Valentine’s Day and serving them tea served with muffins made by our boys, and organising an Easter egg hunt at the Nursery School, which the children enjoyed finding the bunnies that the boys made. The energy of the weekly play and exercise in the nursery school playground is matched by the intensity of the different board games, especially bingo, of the old age home. Below are a few reflections from some of our students.

Reflection of the weekly Alexandra Community Engagement at the old-age home and nursery school by Michael Elfick:

"From the tranquillity, calm and quiet of the Old Age Home juxtaposed to the lively chaos of the Nursery School, St David’s community engagement in Alexandra allows you a time to lose yourself in the service of others, and recentre yourself from all too often stressful world. The heart-warming smiles of the ladies and gentlemen at the Old Age Home and the overflowing joy and energy of the children leave you both fulfilled and reset, ready for the week ahead. It is truly an experience that cannot be put into words, but rather must be felt."

Reflection of the monthly pad drop-off at MC Weiler by Azille Pooe and Lukhanyo Oniwe:

"We have been fortunate to be a part of the MC Weiler sanitary pad drop-offs. We always feel very happy about the various outreaches in Alexandra, our hometown. We find it much easier to connect with the girls in isiZulu, and breaks barriers which promote interactive sessions with mini-Q & A sessions and singing. The heartfelt nature of the event is always elevated by the beautiful message about how we strive to provide the girls with sanitary pads so that they are able to continue realising their potential through school. What made the gathering so special was the wonderful insights that were shared by the girls of MC Weiler when asked how they feel when we bring them sanitary pads."