Rhodes University Community Engagement

About RUCE

A brief overview of RUCE, highlighting its integral role within Rhodes University and its commitment to community engagement.

who we are

Empowering Change, Together

Explore How Rhodes University Shapes Global Leaders Through Community Engagement and Academic Excellence. Thank you for visiting us. Join us in our journey towardscreating meaningful change and achieving a greater societal impact throughcommunity collaboration.

Rhodes University Community Engagement (RUCE), a cornerstone of Rhodes University’s dedication to fostering a culture of transformative education, societal impact, and community collaboration. At RUCE, we are committed to bridging the gap between academic excellence and real-world challenges through meaningful community engagement.

Our mission is grounded in the belief that education extends beyond the classroom walls, playing a vital role in societal development and innovation.

Through our diverse programs and initiatives, we strive to empower both our students and community partners, enabling them to contribute positively to society.



As you explore our site, you’ll discover how Rhodes University community engagement initiatives are designed to promote sustainable development, encourage collaborative problem-solving, and inspire a new generation of socially responsible leaders. We invite you to learn more about our vision, goals, and the impactful work we do, not just locally but on a global scale.

who we are

Empowering Change, Together

At Rhodes University Community Engagement (RUCE), we stand at the intersection of transformative education, societal impact, and community collaboration, dedicated to fulfilling our pivotal role within the higher education landscape.

Through our mission, Rhodes University Community Engagement seeks to embody the principles of transformative education, societal impact, and community collaboration. Our comprehensive approach to community engagement is designed to address the multifaceted challenges of our time, fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability.

Our mission reflects a comprehensive commitment to:

Sustainable Community Development:

We aim to forge strong bonds of reciprocity and community, recognizing the deep interdependence between people and the critical connections between humanity and our environment.

Building a Body of Knowledge

Through the scholarship of engagement, RUCE is at the forefront of contributing to a growing body of knowledge on community engagement, shaping the discourse and practice in this vital field.

Developmental Role of Universities

Supporting Higher Education policy by providing a powerful platform for the university to enact its social responsibility, thereby playing a crucial role in societal advancement.

Knowledge Democracy

Supporting Higher Education policy by providing a powerful platform for the university to enact its social responsibility, thereby playing a crucial role in societal advancement.

Civic & Social Responsibility

By embedding and activating the civic and social responsibilities of our students and staff, RUCE transforms community engagement activities and programmes from formal volunteerism to credit-bearing courses into avenues for impactful engagement.

Responsive to Social Context:

We are committed to embedding community engagement deeply within our ethos, making the university more responsive to its social context and more accessible to the community at large.

Transformation & Development

Our efforts contribute to individual transformation and sustainable human and community development in Makhanda, the Eastern Cape, and across South Africa,reflecting our dedication to making a tangible difference.

About RUCE

Vision

Ourvision at Rhodes University Community Engagement (RUCE) is to be a leadingforce in weaving the fabric of academic excellence with communitycollaboration, creating a landscape where education and societal growth aremutually reinforcing.

We aspire to establish and nurture community-university partnerships that contribute to sustainable community development and promote university and student social responsibility. Through this endeavor, we aim to demonstrate the unique value RUCE brings to students, faculty, and community partners alike, embodying a model where educational pursuits and community needs enrich one another in a symbiotic relationship. This vision guides us in fostering an environment where learning is impactful, and community engagement is a catalyst for positive change.

Help us Reach our goals.

Rhodes University has identified legacy priority projects that it has earmarked for intensive, targeted fundraising in the next five years.

our impact

Transforming Together: Our Journey of Impact

Our commitment to community collaboration and transformative education has fostered a powerful journey of impact and change.

Through our dedicated efforts, we’ve not only witnessed but also meticulously documented a series of success stories and engagement outcomes that underscore our mission’s vitality and our vision’s clarity.

Our Impact

Success Stories

Realstories from past participants to inspire action.

NEWS & EVENTS

Latest News

Keep up with new developments, news and articles.

Research and Impact
Qhama Antoni

Impact Stories

Rhodes University is proud of its contribution to the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Read More »

Get in touch

Initiate contact with us for any inquiries or questions for volunteering, partnerships etc.

Phone:

046-603-8111

Email:

info@ru.ac.za

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