The Faculty of Dentistry at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) has launched a state-of-the-art study facility to improve the postgraduate experience.
The official opening of the Dentistry Postgraduate Work Lounge at the University’s Tygerberg Campus took place in March following a significant cash donation by a university stakeholder – The Professional Provident Society Foundation (PPS).
The lounge was officially opened by the Dean of Dentistry, Professor Veerasamy Yengopal, who stressed the importance of such a facility and increased efforts to make the faculty a global leader in teaching, training, and research.
“We have the burden of disease, and we have the infrastructure to play in that league.
To be a global player in teaching, training and research we need to see what the competitors are doing. I would also argue we can get the best players in the world, invite them to our institution, provide free accommodation and provide the space with state of the art equipment. This is a postgraduate and international visitor room, so anyone from any part of the world can come and use it and have 24-hour access,” said Prof Yengopal.
The work lounge was only possible with a significant cash injection from the PPS Foundation.
The foundation’s objective is to enhance access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields while significantly contributing to the sustainable development of South African communities.
PPS was originally founded by eight dentists in 1941, so dentists have always been core to the company and its success. PPS Group Executive Mutuality, Ayanda Seboni, highlighted the importance of being part of the project.
“We are doing this for students because, as a Mutual, we care about graduate professionals. The PPS Foundation’s University Support programme focuses on low-capital projects for the direct benefit of students. We believe that if students are given the support needed to become comfortable and have a great university experience, then the throughput is a lot faster and better.”
Seboni also encouraged dental students to apply for comprehensive PPS Foundation Trust bursaries, which cover tuition and living expenses.
Master’s student in Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Mozn Abdalla, says the space will be of great benefit. The mother of two says the work lounge will provide the space and silence she requires as she works to complete her final year.
“I think it will help a lot as a single mom of two kids. Usually, weekends are very hard for me to study at home, and I can’t find a quiet place. I used to study in the IT Room but it wasn’t a comfortable place. Finding a place like this would really make a huge difference in preparing for my final exam, which will be at the end of this year,” said Abdalla.
Director of Institutional Advancement at UWC, Professor Anesh Singh, closed the event and applauded the efforts and leadership of the team who made the new development possible.
“We have been liaising with the PPS team to ensure we cement the relationship and take it forward, so thank you to PPS for your generosity and looking after UWC. My thanks also go to the dean and all the academics and support staff in the faculty. This is a wonderful facility,” concluded Prof Singh.