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South Africa's students engage with community

9 November 2005

The Monash South Africa Student Association has hosted a party for more than 50 children from South African Riding for the Disabled (SARDA), which is situated opposite the university in Ruimsig.

From left: Monash student Ms Pinkie Motlhabane with Liam and Mr Jon Wallace at the SARDA party last weekend.

Twenty Monash students and other volunteers hosted the party to better engage with the local community. It included jumping castles, games, face painting and a dog show.

Nine horses are kept at the SARDA stables in Peter Road where physically and mentally disabled children have riding lessons as part of their therapy.

Each week, four Monash student volunteers help out at SARDA, but the party gave a larger group of student volunteers the opportunity to participate and interact with the children at the riding school.

As well as entertaining the children, the event gave local businesses an opportunity to get involved in the community said Mr Fuluhelo Murovhi, Student Association community outreach officer. Local businesses Spar, Mugg & Bean, Nandos, Pizza Perfect and Barney's Paints all made donations to the festivities.

The Monash Student Association also contributed R5000 (AU$1000) from its fundraising efforts.

SARDA branch instructor Ms Jenny Ford said horse riding had been shown to have enormous therapeutic benefits for disabled children.

"It facilitates social integration and produces positive psychological effects as well as improving balance, stamina, coordination and concentration," Ms Ford said.