The engagement focused on understanding some of the challenges learners experience when transitioning into high school, as well as exploring how schools and broader support systems can respond more meaningfully to these challenges.

The session formed part of a broader youth development initiative to create reflective and supportive spaces where learners could openly share their experiences, concerns, aspirationsand ideas.

The Engagement Office was supported by members of the Psychology Students Society and student volunteers, including BA Pscyhology students Hlomhle Mkonto, Dané Viljoen, Dimakatso Boroko and Semakaleng Manisa, and honours students Okuhle Mbekaphezulu (Political and Conflict Studies) and Simphiwe Tlou (Anthropology).

The students played an important facilitative role throughout the engagement process, ensuring that learners’ voices were not only heard, but understood and reflected upon.

The engagement highlighted that learners, even at a young age, possess a clear understanding of the challenges they face and often have thoughtful and practical ideas on how schools, educators, peers and families can better respond to these realities.

The next phase of the initiative will involve engagements with educators teaching Grade 8 learners at participating schools, followed by sessions with parents and guardians.

A final engagement will bring together the Alumni Network, principals, School Governing Bodies (SGBs), educators, parents/guardians, and participating learners to reflect on the consolidated findings emerging from the three engagement processes facilitated by Mandela University.

At the conclusion of the session, learners expressed appreciation for the welcoming and supportive environment created by the Mandela University students, with many indicating that the Science Dome video experience was the highlight of the day.