By Mathews Nthinya

 

The Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning's (CHERTL’s) Trojan Academic Initiative (TAI) student peer mentoring programme at Rhodes University marked its 20th anniversary with a celebration dinner which highlighted the profound impact of mentoring for first-year students as well as their senior student mentors.

Programme co-ordinator Nichola van der Poel hosted the event, which united individuals who have played pivotal roles in the TAI programme’s success over the past two decades

Professor Jo-Anne Vorster, CHERTL Head of Department warmly welcomed attendees including esteemed Investec guest Thembiso Kodisang, University colleagues and Deans. Professor Vorster expressed gratitude to multiple contributors and stakeholders, including TAI student peer mentors across the faculties of Commerce, Science, Pharmacy and Humanities, whose support has been instrumental in the programme’s achievements. The evening was marked by heartfelt stories from past mentees who shared how the programme had positively impacted their academic development.

The mentoring programme was founded by Professor Chrissie Boughey and colleagues in 2003. The TAI is thought to be the longest-running student peer mentoring programme in Higher Education on the African continent. Professor Boughey was crucial in securing funding and critical ongoing support for this initiative. Her contribution to the programme’s work is hugely valued.

Professor Vorster emphasised the core mission of the TAI as aiming to provide socio-emotional support to first-year students from under-resourced backgrounds as they navigate the challenges of tertiary education. In this way, students are empowered to reach their full academic potential. The TAI, an integral part of the Extended Studies and Pharmacy curricula, partners senior student mentors with first-year peers in the same faculty at the beginning of their academic journeys.

Amon Magadza, Commerce lecturer and mentor facilitator for the TAI mentoring programme, introduced TAI alumna and Rhodes University lecturer Lisa Maholo. Lisa shared her journey, starting with her acceptance into the Extended Studies programme at Rhodes University in 2009. At that time she faced isolation and lacked a support structure. However, the mentoring programme became her source of community and belonging through weekly meetings with her mentor and other first-years in her faculty. Lisa attributes her academic success to four key factors:

1. Discipline and consistency: the importance of maintaining discipline and consistency in her studies significantly contributed to Lisa's success.
2. Mentorship as a supportive community: Lisa expressed gratitude for her TAI mentor who gave her a sense of community and offered guidance and encouragement in her academics.
3. Accountability: Lisa acknowledged that being accountable to herself and her classmates was pivotal in her academic progress.
4. Active classroom presence: Finally, she highlighted the significance of being actively engaged and present in her classroom, demonstrating her commitment to learning.

Sinoxolo Cossie, recipient of the Judith Orpen Memorial Bursary 2023, was introduced by Judith Reynolds, Humanities lecturer and TAI facilitator. Sinoxolo shared his academic journey, starting with his graduation from Nombulelo High School, located in a rural areawhich faces socio-economic challenges. He then discussed how he gained admission to Rhodes University and pursued his studies through the Extended Studies programme and as a mentee in the TAI mentoring programme.

Sinoxolo attributes his successful transition to university life, both socially and academically, to the mentoring programme. He highlighted remarkable achievements, including becoming a top History student and earning a distinction in his degree. Notably, he also became a mentor, underscoring the positive impact this had on his personal growth and his ability to build strong relationships with mentees. Sinoxolo aspires to become a writer – a dream made possible through his academic career and with support from the TAI programme.

Yonela Faba, another programme beneficiary, hails from Bisho Eastern Cape. He candidly admitted to “coasting” through high school without much effort. Reflecting on his undergraduate years, Yonela acknowledged his passive approach which delayed his degree completion.

Yonela underwent a positive transformation when he returned to academia with renewed determination. He pursued an honours degree in Economics, achieving remarkable success with distinctions. Yonela credited his newfound engagement with university life as the key to success. He continued his academic journey by completing a master's degree through hard work, emphasising the valuable lesson that diligent effort leads to fruitful outcomes. Yonela advised new students to stay engaged and seize every opportunity for personal and academic growth.

Pharmacy TAI mentor Emmanuella Owusu, the final speaker, radiated warmth as she proudly shared her Ghanaian heritage and her academic path from obtaining a BSc degree to aspiring to become a pharmacist. Her experience within the CHERTL mentoring programme profoundly impacted her life. Emmanuella cherishes the friendships she formed with her mentees and spoke passionately about her commitment to guiding them towards financial literacy and personal growth.

Setlogane Manchidi, the Head of Corporate Social investment at Investec sent a vibrant video message. He emphasised the importance of financial sponsorship, quoting, “An initiative without a financial sponsor is like a ship without a sail – it can go nowhere.” Investec’s partnership with Rhodes University’s Extended Studies programme (Commerce) and subsequently additional faculties, has supported the CHERTL mentoring programme since 2009.

Mr Manchidi proudly announced that Investec has trained 156 mentors who have guided 762 students from 2009 to 2023. Many of these students, who might have contemplated quitting, persevered due to the substantial support provided by Investec and the CHERTL TAI student peer mentoring programme.

Mr Manchidi expressed heartfelt gratitude to Rhodes University for extending the hand of partnership, enabling Investec to make a meaningful difference in countless lives. The 20 year celebration concluded with mentors from various faculties coming together for group photos, symbolising the programme’s success in nurturing and supporting future generations of students.

We look forward to the next 20 years of mentoring excellence at Rhodes University: 2023 – 2043.