CEU congratulates CHS on the Launch of their Fisantekraal Wellness Centre. On 18 August 2026, the Community Engagement Unit (CEU) attended the official launch of the UWC Fisantekraal Wellness Centre, hosted by the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences (CHS) at the Fisantekraal Civic Centre. The CEU was represented by Dr Samantha Van Schalkwyk (Acting Director), and Damaris Kiewiets - Community Liaison Officer. The launch showcased the Wellness Centre and its facilities,

SOE–SI Seminar Series Join us for the upcoming SOE–SI Seminar Series, hosted by the Community Engagement Unit at the University of the Western Cape. We are pleased to welcome Faeza Meyer and Dr Koni Benson for a discussion on: “Collective Interventions in the History of a Land Occupation: Writing Out Loud Against Erasure” 📅 26 August 2026 ⏰ 13:00 – 14:00 💻 Online The seminar reflects on collaboration between frontline activism and feminist history writing, focusing on land

5 Aug 2026 * The Community Engagement Unit (CEU) hosted a Scholarship of Engagement for Societal Impact (SoE-SI) Training for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. As part of the University Capacity Development Grant (UCDP)-funded project Strengthening the Scholarship of Engagement for Societal Impact (SoE-SI), the session introduced participants to UWC's Scholarship of Engagement Model and provided practical guidance on using the SoE-SI web portal to capture and showcase soci

Hosted by: Dr. Anita Maurtin, Director, Strategic Academic Projects Office of the DVC: Academic, UWC. On 17 July 2026, the Community Engagement Unit team, Ms. Damaris Kiewiets (CEU community liaison officer), Ms. Pearl September-Brown (CEU researcher), and Dr. Samantha van Schalkwyk (CEU Acting Director) facilitated a training for UWC’s Accelerated Excellence Programme (AEP) students. (Venues): On the 17th at Krystal Beach Hotel, Gordon’s Bay and on the 18th July, Mandela Day

29 July 2026 * The Community Engagement Unit (CEU) hosted an in-person Scholarship of Engagement for Societal Impact (SoE-SI) Training with the Faculty of Education. The training focused on UWC’s Scholarship Model and advanced navigation of the SoE-SI web portal. The session was facilitated by Dr Samantha van Schalkwyk, Acting Director of the CEU, and Mr Ridwaan Mallum, CEU Web Architect. Participants were guided through the SoE-SI framework and the use of the web portal to d

Winter has a special way of reminding us that small acts of kindness can create lasting warmth. Our Project Winter Hope initiative in Garies, Northern Cape, was an incredible success, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed, partnered with us, and helped make a meaningful impact in the lives of community members. On behalf of the Community Engagement Unit (CEU), we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our partners from the UWC Library, particularly

Dr Samantha van Schalkwyk (Acting Director): The first half of 2026 has been a period of transition and growth for the Community Engagement Unit (CEU). Since assuming the role of Acting Director in January 2026, a key focus has been to enhance the visibility of community engagement initiatives within the CEU and across UWC. This commitment is aligned with UWC's IOP 2026–2030 and its vision of developing graduates who embody Ubuntu through ethical leadership and social respons

YouTube clip: For those who were unable to attend or join Seminar 2, the full session recording is now available on YouTube. You are welcome to watch the recording and engage with the valuable discussions, insights, and knowledge shared during the seminar. Thank you to everyone who participated, and we look forward to your continued engagement in the upcoming CEU Seminar Series sessions. Watch the full seminar here: https://youtu.be/qQg6soD0I-Y

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) Community Engagement Unit (CEU) and Library are partnering with Change Agents South Africa to make a difference in Garies (Northern Cape). This winter let’s come together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. The UWC Community Engagement Unit and UWC Library, in partnership with Change Agents South Africa, are collecting donations of warm clothing, blankets, non-perishable food items, toys, and childre

This seminar examines the co-creation of knowledge as a critical practice within the Scholarship of Engagement, drawing on a Participatory Action Research (PAR) study conducted in Lambert’s Bay, South Africa. In a context shaped by inequality, marginalisation, and limited access to services, the study foregrounds community members as co-researchers and co-designers of a community-based substance abuse intervention programme. Through iterative cycles of engagement including ne

Community Engaged Learning Programme (CELP) The Community Engaged Learning Programme (CELP), offered by the Community Engagement Unit (CEU) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), introduces students to the principles and practice of community engagement within the South African context. Grounded in the Scholarship of Engagement for Societal Impact (SoE-SI), the programme connects academic learning with societal needs by encouraging students to apply their disciplinary k

Graduate Development Programme (GDP) The Graduate Development Programme (GDP) supports first-year students in academic, personal, and social adjustment at UWC. GDP is infused into the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP), as it bridges the Academic and Co-curricular engagement at UWC. Through its year-long curriculum, workshops and individualised coaching, the programme aims to facilitate students’ growth and the acquisition of the university’s graduate attributes. GDP also he

Community Engagement Database Showcase community engagement activities. Serve as a promotional/marketing tool as it presents viewers (on and off-campus) with information pertaining to your community engagement activities and development. Present an opportunity to access information about engagement activities on and off-campus Provides cross-links and references to community engagement activities. Provides a platform for knowledge sharing and coordination. Provides potential