Matie Community Service (MCS) in the Division for Social Impact, recently held its annual general meeting (AGM). Traditionally, the AGM is also an opportunity to celebrate the people who benefit from the work of MCS.

During the presentation of the MCS's annual report, Dr Antoinette Smith-Tolken, acting head in the Division for Social Impact reminded everyone that people don't want charity, they want change in their lives. "As a university, we need to ensure reciprocal impact, society must also impact on us as a university, and we need to ensure that our work is relevant to society. The community also plays a big role in the teaching process through the development of graduate attributes." she said.

Different stakeholders gave voice to the impact of the work which MCS and it student volunteers deliver, as a powerful reminder of how giving of oneself and one's time can make a big difference in the lives of others:

Mr Steve Jacobs, a 5^th year medical student at the Tygerberg campus recounted how the students responded to a need to provide not only much needed primary health care services to communities, but also support with CV writing. As a result, one of the community members could apply for a job for the first time and was successful!

Ms Betta Augustine, a community partner who heads Stellemploy, reflected on the journey of Brandon Schruder, an Adult Education and Training (AET) learner, who started at level 4 (grade 9), then went on to complete a chef course through Stellemploy at one of the best chef schools in Africa, the Institute for Culinary Arts, and who is now busy with his internship at Red Pepper Catering.

Ms Linda Jacobs, programme manager for the AET and skills development programme shared the story of Izak Botha who completed his matric with outstanding results through the AET programme. He then started his own baking business after being on MCS's skills training programme. He is now a trainer on the skills training programme. He has recently received a catering tender from the Stellenbosch municipality.

Mr Hlumelo Nonxuba, HK at Simonsberg related how the residence had implemented a reading programme to help learners with their reading skills. This reading programme is helping learners to improve their academic results. "Little did I know how much I would be receiving. We are being changed by these communities" he said.

More stories of impact can be viewed in the MGD annual report can be viewed at http://www.sun.ac.za/english/ci/Documents/ENG_MGD%20Annual%20Report%202015%20ELECTRONIC.pdf