UFS launches a Data and Digital Devices Fund to keep students connected
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the development of a low-tech online and distance approach to learning and teaching, optimising the utilisation of data. Indications are that our approach towards learning and teaching is working, and that we will complete the academic year successfully. We want to enable all our students to access and benefit from these online facilities. We are cognisant of the fact that many of our students have limited or no access to learning resources, appropriate devices, and data. Consequently, to ensure that our students can keep up with changes in the delivery of online academic programmes, the Data and Digital Devices Fund (DDDF) has been launched.
The Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Petersen, and members of the UFS leadership have pledged part of their salaries over the next few months towards the fund.
“We are calling on staff members, alumni, and donors to contribute to this important initiative. The challenges ahead for all of us are enormous, particularly for poor communities. We can make a positive difference if we work together,” says Prof Petersen.
Management of the fund
The DDDF will be managed by the UFS Department of Finance and will be overseen by the Special Executive Group, chaired by Prof Petersen, which has been established to assess the overall impact of COVID-19 on the university. At the same time, the university is negotiating with suppliers and mobile providers for better data and equipment pricing.
How to make a donation
We invite you to contribute to the fund, and have provided the following links for your convenience: Alumni in South Africa and outside the UK, please click here. All donations to the fund are tax deductible in terms of South African income tax legislation.
Alumni in the UK, please click here. Please tick the Gift Aid permission box if you are a UK taxpayer, and the UFS will receive a 25% additional donation on the value of the gift from the UK government.
You are welcome to visit the UFS COVID-19 webpage for updates.
Please contact us if you would like more information on the Data and Digital Devices Fund.
Ntokozo Nkabinde | Institutional Advancement | nkabindenn@ufs.ac.za