For the University of Johannesburg (UJ), “Work-Integrated Learning” isn’t just a curriculum requirement—it’s a mission of mercy. As part of its Strategic Plan 2035, UJ’s Faculty of Health Sciences recently transformed its academic expertise into a lifeline for the community of Itsoseng in the North West Province.
A Partnership for Inclusive Health
In collaboration with Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA), staff and students from UJ’s Departments of Podiatry and Optometry conducted a massive outreach at the Reatlegile Special School. The school serves learners with a wide range of special needs who often face barriers to specialized healthcare.
The Impact: Vision and Mobility
The outreach provided high-quality screenings and treatments that many families in underserved areas struggle to access:
- Optometry Success: * 225 learners with autism and learning challenges were screened.
- 76 learners received comprehensive eye tests and free spectacles.
- 25 educators were tested, with 18 receiving new glasses to assist their teaching.
- Podiatry Success: * 220 learners underwent foot health screenings.
- Students measured foot sizes, analyzed gait, and provided essential foot health education.
- Critical referrals were made for learners requiring advanced treatment.
The Student Perspective: Heart-Led Leadership
For the fourth-year students involved, the day was about more than clinical practice; it was about human connection.
“I appreciated the outreach as it allowed me to interact with people from environments and cultures different to my own. This is why I wanted to pursue a health degree.” — Donald Phaladi, Optometry Student.
Shaun Mambane, a Podiatry student, noted the importance of advocacy: “Many people don’t understand podiatry. We were able to provide knowledge to the learners about the importance of caring for our feet properly.”
A Beacon of Hope
Professor Annie Temane, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, emphasized that these partnerships are the heartbeat of the faculty’s identity. By aligning student learning with societal impact, UJ is ensuring that its graduates are not just technically proficient, but socially conscious leaders.
