Monash University - More that just walking the talk in South Africa

Monday 3 August

On Sunday 26 July the large TeamMONASH™ presence and participation in the annual Walk the Talk epitomised what was a spectacular experience it was for all concerned.

Now the 3rd year of TeamMONASH™ participating in the Walk the Talk, our numbers have grown from 150 in 2007 to over 500 in 2009. There was no doubt that Monash South Africa TeamMONASH™ was the loudest, most vibrant, excited group at the event.

This year among the highlights were the commitments of the large team of volunteers that turned up at 5am on race day to get things ready for the massive logistical process of handing out (highly sought after and much prized) event tops, transporting over 500 people some 30kms across town by bus from 6.30am and getting them all back safely, no mean feat in Johannesburg traffic.

Martin Doulton, Director of Sport at Monash University was lucky enough to be one of the 500 participants on the day.

“The vibe that generates around the campus in the lead up to the event and the genuine enthusiasm from everybody to get involved sums up how the 4 F’s (Fitness, Fun, Friends and Family) of the TeamMONASH™ tagline can really pull people together in a sense of community that is uniquely Monash”.

With over 40 children of staff and alumni participating as part of TeamMONASH™, the day was even more special for all concerned.

During his trip, Mr Doulton also took some time to see first hand the commitment and drive that staff and students at Monash South Africa demonstrate.

“Everyone has a passion to show what Monash can do for and across Africa and recognises that the sum of the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Never have I seen the University shield so publicly displayed on apparel and literature and its something I would hope we can adopt at our other places”.

Mr Doulton also had the privilege to participate in the Saturday Morning program where groups of kids from the local township come onto the Monash campus and get tutored by our Monash student volunteers in maths and English, get taught to embrace the internet, get to play a sport, learn how to play chess and finally have good solid meal, all in a safe nurturing environment.

“Without visiting the informal settlements one can’t really appreciate the tough living conditions that these kids and their families have to battle through each day just to survive. To watch the joy that both participant and volunteer got from interacting together was one that cant be described without a tears welling up in the eye of a wizened old sports jock!”

“Given the magnitude of some of the social issues affecting our communities one sometime wonders how they might be fixed. Watching how our colleagues at Monash South Africa actually deals with these issues on a daily basis and make a positive contribution is testimony that Monash in South Africa is walking the talk in our mission to improve the Human Condition”.

The 500 strong TeamMONASH™ contingent at the event

Monash University staff member Maisaka Ramoloto and her daughter represent TeamMONASH™

A father and son awaiting the start of the Walk the Talk

One of the TeamMONASH™ child participants during the Walk the Talk