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CIOB student chapters continue to grow
The progress of the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) Student Chapters in Sub-Saharan Africa since their launch in February 2022 has been truly remarkable, marking significant milestones in the growth and sustainability of the CIOB’s student membership base.
CIOB Student Chapters are a group of CIOB student members responsible for recruiting new student members, organising student outreach activities and competitions, organising regional meetings and promoting the interests of the student community.
These student-driven communities have become instrumental in fostering a thriving community of Tomorrow's Leaders in the Built Environment.
CIOB Student Chapters have been actively organising a diverse array of events, ranging from Introduction to CIOB student membership talks to mentor speed dating and industry talk events. This comprehensive approach aims to cater to the varied interests of student members and creates a dynamic platform for professional development.
The innovative spirit of the Student Chapters is evident in the design and execution of localised student competitions. These not only showcase the talent within the community but also foster healthy competition and collaboration across universities in the region.
The leadership within the Student Chapters has also demonstrated commendable organisational skills. The initiation of student engagement plans, including site visits and guest lectures from industry professionals, reflects a proactive approach to nurturing a growth mindset among the student members.
Setup and responsibilities
CIOB Student Chapters are student-led and operate within a formal structure, with elected leaders such as president, secretary, and treasurer responsible for key functions. This formalised approach ensures accountability and effective coordination within the chapters.
A crucial responsibility of the Student Chapters is the recruitment of new student members. Through various outreach activities and competitions, they play a pivotal role in promoting CIOB student membership within their respective institutions.
The collaboration among all CIOB Student Chapters in Sub-Saharan Africa is vital. Regional meetings organised by the chapters foster unity, sharing of best practices, and the collective pursuit of common goals.
Expansion
Through the implementation of CIOB's Education Engagement Model, active CIOB Student Chapters have been established in prominent universities around the world, including the University of Johannesburg, Harare Polytechnic College (Zimbabwe), Mangosuthu University of Technology, University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban University of Technology, Cape Coast Technical University (Ghana), University of Pretoria, and Universitas Indonesia (Indonesia). This geographical spread signifies the widespread impact and appeal of the CIOB Student Chapters across Sub-Saharan Africa and internationally.
Optimism surrounds the future growth of CIOB Student Chapters, not only in Sub-Saharan Africa but internationally as well. Collaborations with education establishments, local professional membership bodies, employers, and other stakeholders will be pivotal in expanding their reach and impact.
The collective goal is to create a sustainable platform that serves the immediate needs of the student community and lays the foundation for future leaders in the Built Environment. The journey of CIOB Student Chapters continues to exemplify the power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for the future of the industry.