The Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, implemented as from 2005 a new compulsory undergraduate module, Community-Based

Project.  This module gives students the opportunity to execution a

service to a community. The aim with the module is to develop an

awareness of personal, social and cultural values as well as

multidisciplinary and life skills, such as communication, interpersonal

and leadership skills by the students, while providing a service to the

community.

 

Students have the option to attempt the 8-credit (80 hours) module in

any one of their undergraduate years of study.  It is expected that

students at least work 40 hours in the community, address a specific

need identified in the community and to transfer knowledge or a skill in

the process.

 

Projects vary from basic computer training; mathematic and science

revision for secondary school learners, the development of websites for

non-profit organisations and the development of specific technology

projects identified by the community, e.g. solar cookers.

 

Projects need to be developed from the needs identified by the specific

community.  Students and the community have to work together on their

project thereby ensuring that the communities take ownership of these

projects.  Students are encouraged to work in communities different from

their own where they feel they can make a difference.

 

Every group will have a blog link. 

As part of their assessment they

have to update their blogs on a regular basis.