Community Outreach
We ask student teams that progress through from Round 1 of the UBC to use the business skills they have gained during the round to start and run a very small business – with proceeds being donated to needy communities.
The objectives:
Each year the response is heart-warming because those taking part in the UBC believe in the outreach objectives which are to:
- Provide an opportunity for teams to put into practice the enterprise skills learned in the UBC by setting up and running a small business over a few weeks
- Raise funds for needy communities
- Help instil a sense of global citizenship and personal development
The response by teams participating in the UBC to the Community Outreach programme (which is voluntary) since it was started has been remarkable.
2015-16 & 2016-17 Outreach:
Ezimbedleni School, Mkuze, KwaZuluNatal, South Africa
In 2015-16 & 2016-17 the needy community project the UBC UK supported was the Ezimbedleni school in rural KwaZuluNatal, South Africa. With funds raised by participating teams:
- A new water pump was bought to irrigate the school’s vegetable garden to provide food for lunchtime meals
- Class room doors were fixed, desks and chairs provided
- Staff accommodation was made liveable
2017-18 Outreach:
Vezokuhle Multipurpose Centre, Hazyview, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Two hundred orphaned children are given one midday meal at this community centre prepared by a team of volunteers. While there is some central government funding, it falls short of demand. The funds from UBC UK 2017-18 will go towards:
- providing food for an increased number of orphans throughout the year
- roof repairs
- educational assistance for orphans and vulnerable children to write their school work
- talks on health and HIV counselling for the children
Faculty support for UBC UK teams:
Many university faculties and staff members recognise and support the efforts of their students’ participating in the UBC by matching the amount of money raised. In 2017-18, the most funds were raised by a team from Royal Holloway University of London whose efforts were recognised and acknowledged at a ceremony at the RHUL School of Management.
