Numerous requests from students over the last few years to take prospectuses and promotional material home during the university recess to share with learners in their communities, inspired the Division for Student Recruitment (DSR) at Stellenbosch University (SU) to launch the “Take SU Back Home” initiative in June last year. 

This holiday, the DSR will continue with the initiative and is inviting SU students who are heading home for the winter break to reach out to them to undergo training in preparation for visits to schools and to collect the prospectuses and materials they will need for these engagements.

“Many students who reached out to us over the years expressed a genuine desire to return to their schools and communities to share their personal journeys and experiences to becoming an SU student with prospective learners,” says Magdel Pretorius, Deputy Director, in the Registrar’s Responsibility Centre.

“The main goal with this initiative is to create a ripple effect of opportunity and to fuel learners’ university aspirations by mobilising SU students as brand ambassadors in their own communities to help bridge the gap between learners’ aspirations and their access to higher education.”

Participating students will be expected to visit schools, community groups, or learner gatherings in their hometowns. During these engagements, students may present information sessions or have informal conversations with learners and/or educators about topics such as the SU application process, admission requirements, bursaries and financial assistance, student life, residences, academic support, and their own personal transition from school to university. 

“It also creates an opportunity for current students to connect prospective students and educators directly with a Stellenbosch University staff member, for example a Student Recruitment Practitioner, for any further engagement or follow-up support they may require,” adds Olivia Adams, Event Coordinator in the Registrar’s Responsibility Centre.

The Division has decided to utilise a peer-to-peer engagement model because it has proven to be “particularly valuable” as “learners often relate more easily to current university students who recently walked a similar journey”. 

Before visiting schools, participating students will attend a training session hosted by Student Recruitment Practitioners on 25 May. To attend this session, please click here.

Students will be equipped with the necessary information and resources to confidently engage with learners and educators. Each participant will receive a prospectus and key information regarding application timelines, admission requirements, bursaries and loans, student fees, and the process from receiving an offer to accepting placement at SU.

Although the initiative is still relatively new, feedback received from participating students has already highlighted the value and impact of authentic, student-led engagement in creating awareness, fuelling learners’ aspirations, and access to higher education opportunities.

One of the students participating in the initiative this year, is Taran Olkers, a fourth-year student studying in the Education Faculty. 

“I would like to be part of this initiative because I know how important exposure and representation are for learners, especially those from communities like mine where opportunities and information about university are often limited,” explains Olkers.

Reflecting on her own journey to get to university, Olkers remembers how difficult it was to find the right individuals to guide her and how she struggled to identify  degree programmes that would be of interest to her. 

“I understand how difficult it can be when you do not have many people to guide or inspire you. Many learners have the potential to succeed, but due to circumstances and limited exposure, they do not always see university as something attainable. 

“I would love to inspire and encourage learners by showing them that opportunities like Stellenbosch University are possible, while also helping invest in their future by bringing that exposure and support directly into their communities,” says Olkers. 

For the Division, their hope is that learners will leave these engagements “feeling inspired, informed, and more confident about pursuing higher education opportunities”. 

“Taking SU Back Home is about more than recruitment – it is about representation, connection, and showing learners that they too belong at university. Through sharing their own journeys, our students become powerful storytellers and brand ambassadors within their own communities, helping prospective learners see that there is a place for them at Stellenbosch University.” 

“At the same time, participating SU students gain valuable leadership experience and are able to develop communication and presentation skills, among others. This is also an valuable opportunity for them to give back to their communities in a meaningful way.