On Friday, 8 April 2016, the bus departed from the Hatfield Campus of the University of Pretoria to Tieger Lodge, with the students in high spirits. The programme started with an insightful presentation by Mr Ferdie Heunis of the Roarrr Team, who also facilitated the Enrichment Camp. His presentation, entitled “I am a Brand”, encouraged students to consider themselves as brands and to apply marketing and other strategies used by successful brands.

After a filling breakfast on the Saturday, members were introduced to the newly elected JT Student Society Executive Council members and their different portfolios. Thereafter all Student Society members were given the opportunity to join one of the sub-committees. All sub-committees had to put together a vision and mission statement as well as a list of projects and proposed plans for presentation the following day.

Ms Courtney Gehle of the UP Greenline project, opened her session by showing a powerful video, highlighting the plight of the environment. Ms Gehle, a current Tuks student, started this initiative which has its focus on preserving the environment. Members participated in a debate concerning the need to protect the environment.

Mr Carl Gostner from LeadSA presented an interactive session on leadership which was most definitely one of the highlights of the weekend. During this session one of the students who shared his desire to lead in spite of his limited proficiency in English, were motivated to pursue his dreams. The session ended with students stating what they were planning to do in order to make a positive change.

Ms Nancy Mashele explained that the JuniorTukkie Ambassadors Programme has been established to recruit as many top quality students for the University of Pretoria as possible. One method is to send our best students back to their communities to showcase to their peers that it is possible to achieve academically at university no matter where you come from. Student leaders of the JT Ambassadors Programme shared their inspirational stories with everyone.

Ms Jacqui Pietersen explained that the UP Alumni Relations Unit at Tuks build relationships with students from their first year while they are still on campus. This ensures that they know exactly what it takes to be an alumnus or alumna when they obtain their qualification and become part of the Young Alumni and Student Committee (YASCOM).

Sunday started with fun and games lead by Siya and Tefo, affectionately known as ‘Stevovo’, members of Roarrr. Enactus UP’s President Tebogo and Deputy President Sinayo presented their organisation to a very receptive crowd. The programme ended with presentations by sub-committees about their vision and mission statements and plans for the year.

The JuniorTukkie Enrichment Camp was a resounding success! The members left the Camp feeling energised to tackle their studies and filled to the brim with inspiration.