This is by contributing to the three main components of sustainable development through the economic and social development of stakeholders namely staff, students, alumni, and local communities, and by committing resources towards environmental awareness and protection.
The University’s pathways for impact include positive student and alumni experiences, building a strong academic community, managing the institution’s quality through self-regulation and continuous improvement, creating a learning community for sustainable best practices, and research through active collaboration with international partners and industry.
Also, this includes connecting and supporting local communities in a meaningful manner through impactful research and activities that lead to sustainability and minimising the environmental impact of the University’s operations.
The Botho Sustainability and Social Impact report is based on the principles outlined in relevant impact reporting approaches for universities including the GRI standards for reporting. Speaking at the ceremony, Botho University Vice Chancellor Dr Sheela Raja Ram said the University is an early adapter of digitisation and is well on its way to becoming a digitally transformed university. “It is visible that Botho’s student-centric teaching approaches, industry connections and structured employability initiatives are bearing fruit as seen in both student and employer feedback.
“The IFC (World Bank Group) assessment of Botho University employability initiatives show that on an average Botho graduates are achieving 60% employment and 96% of students are confident of achieving their career goals,” she said. The Virtual Internships case study assessed student experiences working remotely with global employers across 18 countries showing that 90% of employer supervisors were happy to give positive references and 81% of employer supervisors will offer the Botho intern a full-time position when available.
Botho University’s work with the local community in Gakgatla and the Kubung Primary School is a long-term commitment. The impact of various efforts is visible in the improved academic performance of young students and general improvement in the community. The University is also directing its research efforts for the benefit of local communities along with their international partners.
Botho University’s efforts to become a green campus are now paying off as the university now generates 80% of the power requirements through rooftop solar and has cut down its water consumption by 80%.
