Founder's Hall Fun day (Feature)
by Jason Joseph

You’re told your hall will have some money to do with whatever they please by the SRC. You could buy the dining hall a new clock or something... or your hall can host Founder’s Hall Fun day. Held on 15 October, Founder’s Hall with the kids from Samuel Ntsiko Primary school, had a day of sporting games and a braai.

Grant Bisset – Founder’s Hall SRC hall rep and member of the Founder’s Hall Community Engagement committee – shares that from his experience in Founders hall, he “feels as a hall we were lacking in community engagement”. So, instead of buying something for the hall, they chose to “do something to help the community,” says Bisset. So the gentlemen of Founder’s decided “to play to our strengths... sports”.

“An event like this had never taken place before (in Founder’s Hall),” says Bisset, “so there was no blueprint.” In true community engagement fashion, “we collaborated and got support and advice from Sports Admin and the Community Engagement Office.”

The day consisted of activities like soccer, touch rugby and relay games with 3 trophies for each game. 30 boys and girls from Samuel Ntisko Primary School made up 6 teams of 5 each. 25 plus Founder’s boys were present; “some teams had two coaches and some of the guys just supported ... left and came back or stayed the whole day, but there was always at least 20 Founder’s guys present,” says Bisset. “Girls from neighbouring halls also showed up – some of the guys must have spread the word –” says Bisset, “next year, when we have a plan and a blueprint, I think a collaboration should be suggested.”

With this event “we hope to establish something to last ... create an event that will happen year after year,” says Bisset, “maybe even more frequently.” At least now there is also a relationship built with Samuel Ntsiko, “we just need to follow up now,” says Bisset. “The guys really enjoyed themselves – I didn’t think they guys would let loose as they did –” says Bisset. “Maybe those who came down realised that it was actually a lot of fun,” says Bisset, “maybe next time they other guys will see that and get involved.”

This event worked on two levels according to Bisset: “Establishing a [sustainable community engagement] event, and showing that community engagement is enjoyable.”