Celebrating Student Mentors in the College of Health Sciences

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s College of Health Sciences (CHS) recently hosted its Annual Academic Monitoring and Support (AMS) Appreciation and Certification Ceremony – an event dedicated to celebrating the student mentors whose commitment has transformed the academic and personal journeys of many CHS students.

Organised by the Student Support Services (SSS) in collaboration with the Office of the Dean of Teaching and Learning, the ceremony honoured Peer Wellness Mentors (PWMs), Academic Mentors (AMs), Teaching Assistants (TAs) and First-Year Experience Mentors (FYEMs) – students who, despite their own demanding schedules, devote their time to uplifting and guiding first-year students.

Programme co-ordinator and Student Counsellor Mrs Wulganithi Thaver, opened the event by highlighting that it was about “celebrating the spirit of service and excellence in CHS.”

Delivering the welcome address, Dr Saloschini Pillay, Manager of Student Support Services, reflected on the evolution of the CHS mentorship programme, which has grown from a College initiative to one inspiring University-wide adoption. “Today we honour our dedicated Peer Wellness Mentors, First-Year Experience Mentors, Academic Mentors, and Teaching Assistants,” said Pillay, commending the combined efforts of student counsellors and academic staff in “promoting holistic student wellness and academic success.”

Pillay highlighted how the AMS and SSS programmes align with UKZN’s strategic commitment to transformative, student-centred education. She praised the mentors’ tireless work – from academic tutoring to mental health support – as central to fostering a culture of resilience, inclusivity, and empowerment.

Professor Sinegugu Duma, Dean of Teaching and Learning, delivered an inspiring message of gratitude and reflection, speaking on the deeper meaning of appreciation. She commended mentors, staff and leadership for their “unwavering commitment to student success,” noting that each person’s effort contributes to creating a nurturing environment where students can thrive.

One of the highlights of the event was a powerful spoken word performance by Mr Sinakhokonke Ximba, winner of the UKZN Poetry Competition. His poem I Matter reflected his journey from a disadvantaged background to achieving personal and academic growth at UKZN, expressing gratitude for the University’s transformative impact.

Pillay also presented on the Student Wellness and Academic Transformation (SWAT) strategy – an internationally recognised, award-winning model unique to CHS. SWAT ensures proactive, holistic student support through continuous tracking and mentoring from first year until graduation. Staff members from various mentoring pillars shared positive outcomes from the year, with evaluations showing that students felt “supported, valued, and inspired to succeed.”

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to all mentors, accompanied by resounding applause. The event served as both a celebration and a reminder of the power of mentorship – of how compassion, leadership, and service can change lives.

In closing, Duma extended her gratitude to the College leadership and staff for their steadfast dedication to student development and for upholding UKZN’s vision of excellence. The celebration was a testament to the fact that in the College of Health Sciences, mentorship truly matters.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photograph: Supplied