This pilot initiative, launched in 2025 within the Department of Physiology at the University of Pretoria, explores innovative ways to embed Community Engagement (CE) into the basic sciences curriculum. In collaboration with colleagues from Theology, Economics, and Architecture, the project connects undergraduate physiology and BMedSci students with real-world community contexts through partnerships with CE sites including Burgers Park, Mamelodi East, Eersterust, and Plastic View. The initiative began with academic site visits to gather accurate contextual information, allowing students to make informed decisions about CE participation aligned with their interests.
Students engaged through an orientation lecture by the CE Office, followed by structured reflection activities assessing their understanding of CE, site selection rationale, and the potential to integrate basic science knowledge into addressing community needs. These reflections form 3% of their practical mark and provide qualitative data to guide the refinement of CE integration in 2026, when students will participate in on-site visits.
Additionally, the team has joined the annual Feast of the Clowns event at Burgers Park, hosting a multidisciplinary stall titled “Mind, Body, Pocket: Tools for a Better Tomorrow,” to promote holistic well-being through health education, financial literacy, and social connection.
This project forms part of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and aims to develop a reflective framework for integrating CE into basic science education. Insights from the 2025 cohort will inform a 2026 implementation study and future publication, contributing to sustainable, community-driven higher education practice.

Authors:
Yvette Nkondo Hlophe, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Tebogo Lebelo, University of Pretoria, South Africa
June Chapetoo Serem, University of Pretoria, South Africa

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Yvette Nkondo Hlophe, currently a Senior Lecturer and Academic coordinator, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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