Africa's nation builders

Issue 20 | Spring/Summer 2007

Report: Andrew Shaw

MSA Community Outreach Officer Craig Rowe.

Students from Monash's thriving South Africa campus are imagining a successful future for not just themselves, but for their communities, their nations and their continent.

When not working to complete their own studies, many are helping less fortunate young Africans living nearby.

Students Eddie Mwiti, a 22-year-old Kenyan, and Mohammed Aliyu, 24, from Nigeria, are working hard to give themselves a world-class education at Monash South Africa.

Both are active members of the Monash Student Association and in the final semester of a business systems degree, but their interests extend far beyond, to social justice and education. They and another 100 students are making time outside their studies to get involved with the Community Engagement Office in South Africa, giving disadvantaged young people a helping hand.

Projects range from sports to environment, education and welfare. Student volunteers devote time and energy to help disadvantaged young people become better educated, more skilled citizens of a new Africa.

Mr Mwiti can see the possibility for change through leadership. Indeed, he describes himself and his friends as "future leaders of Africa".

"I personally feel that Africa's redemption and rise is in the hands of our current generation," Mr Mwiti said. "I have to say Africa is a sleeping giant, yet to be awakened by its youth."

His Nigerian colleague could be one of those giant-wakers. One of Mr Aliyu's main ambitions is to be President of Nigeria, and it's no idle dream. This year he is shortlisted for a Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, a program set up to groom future African leaders by former South African President Nelson Mandela and the Rhodes Trust.

"I would love to be a leader in Nigeria or to be in a position where I can make a difference," he said. "What I would really like to do is to empower the talented poor people with education."

MSA Sports Officer Johan Smith and Community Outreach Officer Mohammed Aliyu.

Monash South Africa's Community Engagement Officer, Craig Rowe, said the relationship between a university and its community should be active and innovative.

"In these interactions we are mindful of the mutual dependency which exists between us and the broader society," Mr Rowe said.

"To this end, an active volunteer program has been established to ensure that students and staff are able to volunteer their time and expertise."

Monash South Africa is in Gauteng, the nation's fastest growing province. Economic growth has fuelled massive population growth, putting pressure on infrastructure.

The University has invested in classroom facilities for a program called Ikusasa Phambili (Advancing Tomorrow), which offers free tutoring classes for Grade 10-12 students from schools in disadvantaged areas. Students are given advice on their lives and careers and provided with school supplies.

In the densely populated township of Muldersdrift, about 50 students participate in a development program called Believe in Tomorrow. Under-resourcing of schools in the area prompted MSA volunteers to assist through teaching and homework supervision.

Student members also coach local children in netball, volleyball, soccer and touch rugby, provide sporting equipment and organise sports days to foster community cohesion.

And after Monash donated computers to a local community centre, IT students developed a training program, which volunteers teach on Saturdays.

Both Monash students admit the challenges are large, but they remain ambitious. In the immediate future, Mr Mwiti wants to do postgraduate studies in Australia before returning to Kenya "with the right tools to change it".

Mr Aliyu's plans depend on whether he wins the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship. But with or without the scholarship, he sees a bright future for himself and his country.

"I have this belief that when determination stands, failure can never dismantle the flag of success. If you try, you can achieve -- provided you try. In Africa you have to try and try and try. Failure is not failure unless you stop trying."

For further information, visit the Monash South Africa website.