UFS launches a Data and Digital Devices Fund to keep students connected
The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly and unavoidably surfaced the inequalities in South African society. At the UFS we see this most acutely amongst our students, many of whom have limited or no access to learning resources, appropriate devices and data. To ensure that our students can keep up with the changes we have had to make to the delivery of our academic programmes, we have launched a Data and Digital Devices Fund.
The Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor 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 Professor Petersen.
The Data and Digital Devices Fund will be managed by the UFS Finance Department and 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 prices for data and equipment.
All donations to the Funds are tax deductible in terms of South African income tax legislation. Regular impact reports will be provided to all donors.
Please contact us if you would like more information.
Institutional Advancement
Pat Lamusse |LamussePM@ufs.ac.za
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