The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences are not only committed to being a catalyst for the bettering of lives within our institution, but also care for the various communities around us.

One of the biggest community engagement initiatives in the Faculty is the science centre, Sci-Enza .



Hideo Nakano, a senior volunteer from the Japan International Co-operation Agency showed the children how to build their own amazing toys, amongst others, a helicopter (Zamcopter) from ordinary things such as plastic bottles, paperclips and a rubber band at Sci-Enza's holiday programme.

As an institution of higher learning, the University of Pretoria through its nine faculties and student voluntary organisations are positioned to use its skill- and knowledge base to empower and assist communities in their development ventures.

The UP sees Community Engagement as a key priority, entrenched in our strategic objectives and in our vision and mission statements. The UP further strives to be responsive to the changing South African environment in all spheres of society, the SADC region, the African continent and the global community.

At UP, Community Engagement is treated as an integral part of teaching and learning, and research; voluntary work done by students and institutional responsibilities. The focus is particularly on areas where the University has proven competencies that can enhance development and capacity building in identified communities.

Byron the cheetah sat down very calmly and allowed children to pat and to stroke him during his visit to Sci-Enza as part of Sci-Enza’s popular Science-is-Fun holiday programme during the school holidays.