True to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University’s (SMU) values of excellence, care, integrity, innovation, and social responsiveness, students from the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (SLP&A) and the Department of Nursing recently joined forces to deliver a comprehensive community outreach programme at Ga-Rankuwa Primary School. The initiative focused on health screenings and education for Grade R and Grade 1 learners, addressing the early detection of developmental and health concerns that could affect learning, communication, and overall well-being.
This outreach forms part of both departments’ commitment to community-based education and early intervention, while also advancing SMU’s broader mission to improve public health through service, teaching, and innovation.
The screening programme was spearheaded by Dr Rahab Mothapo, Clinical Supervisor and Lecturer in SLP&A, with support from Heidi Mapisa. Students from Levels 2 to 4 provided targeted assessments, including language development screening, otoscopic examinations, tympanometry, and pure tone audiometry. These tools were used to identify learners experiencing speech, language, or hearing difficulties—issues that, if undetected, can hinder academic development.
“Early detection of communication delays is vital,” said Mothapo. “Our role as health professionals is to create accessible pathways for support, especially in communities where services may be limited. This initiative allowed our students to apply their academic training in a real-world setting, while delivering a much-needed service to the community.”
Learners who presented with concerns were either supported through school-based interventions or referred for further diagnostic care. Importantly, the screening process also raised awareness among teachers and caregivers, equipping them with the knowledge to identify early warning signs in future.
Concurrently, Level 2 Nursing students, under the supervision of Clinical Facilitator Tumisho Mokwele, conducted growth monitoring and general health assessments, including measurements of weight, height, and head circumference, alongside screening of the ears, nose, throat, and eyes. The aim was to detect early signs of malnutrition or other health challenges that might impair a child’s ability to learn and engage in class.
“The reality is that many health conditions in young children go undetected until they start falling behind at school,” said Mokwele. “Our role is not only to identify these risks but also to empower the learners with knowledge about their own health and hygiene.”
Beyond physical assessments, Nursing students also conducted engaging health education sessions, featuring demonstrations on proper handwashing and activities that helped children distinguish between healthy and unhealthy snacks. The teaching materials, developed by the students themselves, were designed to be interactive, visually engaging, and suitable for young learners, making health education both informative and enjoyable.
“The excitement from the learners was encouraging,” Mokwele reflected. “It reminded us that health education can be both effective and fun. These sessions are designed to instil good habits at an early age, which is crucial in promoting long-term well-being.”
While the outreach delivered tangible benefits to the learners and staff of Ga-Rankuwa Primary School, it also provided SMU students with invaluable clinical experience. The initiative embodies SMU’s approach to integrated learning, where classroom theory is brought to life through practical engagement in the communities’ students are ultimately meant to serve.
“Our students are growing into professionals who understand the importance of service, community, and ethical responsibility,” added Mothapo. “It’s about more than technical skill—it’s about compassion and responsiveness.”
The initiative also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those relating to good health and well-being, quality education, and reduced inequalities. It reinforces SMU’s commitment to being a socially responsive institution—one that not only educates but also transforms lives and communities.
As SMU continues to shape future health professionals, outreach activities such as this stand as a powerful testament to the impact of student-led service. In the words of Mokwele:
“This is how we live out the SMU values—not in theory, but through action and impact.”
By Dimakatso Modise
