The Department of Early Childhood Education’s Orientation week, 12 – 16 February, was marked by colourful displays, friendly faces and informative discussions. This year, there was yet another group of Orientation Stars who light the way for the new first-year students.

Ms Dominique Cook, Mr Mankale Madigoe and Ms Surika Strydom led the Orientation Stars Team. Dr Ronel de Villiers addressed the students as part of the welcoming and introduction session. What a delight to see a lecture room filled with first-year students dance to the song “Whoo, I Feel Good!” by James Brown.

What stood out this year was the manner in which the Orientation stars took it upon themselves to guide the first-year students and enlighten them on the finer nuances of setting up their timetables. A group of dedicated students presented the timetable session under the watchful eye of Ms. Cook. This was a major contribution to the successful orientation week. Some of the Orientation stars shared their experience and perception of the day:

Dominique Cook

Orientation week at the University of Pretoria buzzed with anticipation, as fresh-faced students flooded the campus grounds, eager to embark on their academic journey. In lecture halls filled with enthusiastic voices it was delightful to hear some students’ rationale for wanting to become an ECE teacher: "There's something magical about witnessing the spark of understanding in a child's eyes," one student explained, echoing the sentiments of many. Orientation week had not only provided them with essential knowledge and guidance, but had ignited a flame of passion that would fuel their dedication to shaping the future generations.

Jowilmi de Villiers

During the orientation session, I introduced the modules to first-year student through an interactive presentation. Thereafter, we supported the students as they registered for all their core, fundamental and elective modules. Seeing all the First-year students made me nostalgic about my first year and excited to see them bloom into their full potential.

Molebogeng Mokoena

At the orientation session for first year students of ECE, I introduced first-year students to the requirements for taking Psychology as an additional module. The presentation was short and simple to understand; students who needed additional assistance, we accommodated in the IT labs were they received additional assistance. One of the highlights was to see how students made use of all the assistance offered to them. I even assisted students in other phases too. This service was very sentimental for me as I had no one to assist me in my first year.

Sandra Mpyana

I assisted the first years with drafting their timetables and online registration. I helped them with choosing the modules and explained the importance of registering for the correct modules. During my first year, our orientation was done online and there was a lot of confusion among most of us. With the 2024 first years, the greatest confusion that I picked up was the CC and language modules. When it was all said and done, I felt like I was also part of the first-year students as this experience was also new for me. I also ended up making a new friend that is now one of my best friends and is so dear to me. Imagine I was in class with this girl for four years and I had no idea she existed…. This orientation was for me as much as it was the first-year students.

Mankale Brian Madigoe

I was one of the ‘Ask-Me’ assistants, helping the students to navigate through academic resources, to register their modules, and guide them on how to familiarize themselves with their campus so as to succeed in their studies. Later on, I was able to engage with the first-year students again as a tutor where I was helping to facilitate ice-breaker activities and provide information on support system that is available to them. My engagement with the new students was so satisfying as I was able to offer them study tips and advice on how to get involved in campus activities so as to help them feel comfortable and confident as they begin their academic journey. It really felt great to offer someone the support when they need it, academically and basically just to acclimatise to the campus/varsity life.