UKZN Biology Education Students Visit 1 000 Hills Community Centre

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Biology Education 420 Research and Service-Learning student teachers from the School of Education recently visited the 1 000 Hills Community Helpers Centre in Fredville in the Inchanga district.

The aim of the visit was to inspire students to engage in community action for learning, to experience what is possible and to explore and promote research and service-learning.

The 1 000 Hills Community Helpers Centre - Ikhaya Lothando  - was established in 1989 by Ms Dawn Leppan who said the inspiration for its creation had been the political unrest at the time that left the Inchanga community devastated.

The Centre offers the community skills development; crèche and nursery school education including Grade R; home-based care; a clinic; a feeding scheme; craft and art computer literacy training, and library facilities.

Free computer skills training is available for all community members who are interested in Microsoft Office while the craft and art centre is an outlet where community members can display their work for sale to tourists who visit the Centre.

The crèche is open to children from birth to six years at a cost of R150 a month and provides items such as nappies, food, clothing and stationery. 

The Clinic is open Monday to Friday from 07h00 – 16h00, offering assistance at no cost.

The Feeding scheme, which provides breakfast and lunch, dishes up about 2 000 plates of food every day, except Sundays.

At the library, students and children read books and do their homework with assistance from volunteers.

Education student, Mr Xolani Dube, said: ‘I was impressed by the activities at the Centre and to see people assisting the community, expecting nothing in return. But it’s sad to hear that the government is not subsidising the Centre. I had a great experience - my beliefs and attitude have changed since our visit.’

Said Ms Sithokozile Mkize: ‘The visit to 1 000 Hills Community Helpers was an eye opener for me especially as I hope to graduate as a Teacher. Seeing the activities taking place encouraged me to not only be a Teacher but to also promote community development.’

Ms Asiphe Ndzimande said: ‘Our visit was proof that no matter how the world has changed there are still people who care about others, giving a helping hand to needy ones and loving them.’

Leppan said they had been delighted to host the Bio 420 students. The students were keen to know about the work we do and asked a lot of questions. We trust they benefitted a lot from the visit.’

Melissa Mungroo,  Xolani Dube, Sithokozile Mkize, Asiphe Ndzimande and Sinqobile Nzuza.(Bio 420 students)