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16 May 2018 Photo Charl Devenish
Open Day an exciting event for prospective Kovsies
Faculties gave students a taste of what studying at UFS is like.
Grade 12 learners and their parents and teachers from all over the Free State and outside the province were at the Bloemfontein Campus on 12 May 2018, to explore what the University of the Free State (UFS) has to offer. Faculties and departments all came together to give the visitors a great experience and a glimpse of what they can expect as first years in 2019. 

Exhibitions showcase excellence in education
“I plan to study for an accounting degree and I am excited because I’ve already got my sights on UFS,” said Oratile Segapo from Taung in North West. Oratile had visited the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, which like other faculties, held exhibitions on course information with teaching aids, models, and much more, demonstrating the high calibre of teaching and learning facilities at UFS, as well as innovation and technology-based education. At the Faculty of Law learners had the opportunity to interact with academics and the dean, and to listen to motivational talks by senior students, and former SRC members.

One of the highlights of Open Day is that learners can apply online to study at UFS. More than 150 learners were assisted in applying at the Van der Merwe Scholtz Hall. Other departments such as Student Recruitment Services, the UFS Library and the office of International Affairs were present to engage with learners and their parents.
 
Campus community coming together
The Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Francis Petersen had a session with learners and parents, giving them an opportunity to learn more about his vision for the university and to discuss their interest in the university.

The offices of Student Affairs, Community Engagement, Health and Wellness and Protection Services also gave learners a feel of what student life would be like as well as the support they could receive once becoming Kovsies.

“The Open Day was very well organised, and my daughter, who is doing Grade 11, is definitely planning on studying here once she matriculates. We were impressed with the activities and the ability to engage so easily with programme coordinators,” said Wilmarie du Toit.

The UFS Open Day is an annual event that is hosted at the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses, and attracts hundreds of learners to experience Kovsies for themselves. The Qwaqwa Campus Open Day will be held on 26 May 2018.

2018 Bloemfontein Campus Open Day highlights from University of the Free State on Vimeo.

News Archive

It takes a village to raise a child
2016-06-13

Description: Valentino_Student Bursary Fund Campaign Tags: Valentino_Student Bursary Fund Campaign

Valentino Ndaba
Photo: Sonia Small

(Click on CC for subtitles)

Video
Student Bursary Fund Campaign booklet (pdf)
Donate
Student Bursary Fund Campaign launched: #FundAFuture and make a difference
Motho ke motho ka batho. A person is a person through others
Want to make a difference in the world? Here is how

South Africa has one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world. Take the ribbon of golden beaches sweeping along the shores of KwaZulu-Natal, for instance. But just beyond the kiteboards dappling the ocean and fields of swaying sugarcane lies one of the largest informal settlements in the province: Amaoti. A place where barefoot children are skipping alongside poverty, and violent crime incinerates hope.

Nonetheless, that place could not keep Valentino Ndaba from graduating at the University of the Free State (UFS), and setting her sails for post-graduate studies.

A village
It takes a village to raise a child. This African proverb ripples across Valentino’s life story. “My gran always used to say education is your eternal bread. She still says it to this day. She has always instilled in me the importance of education,” Valentino smiles. Her grandmother has been but one of several champions in Valentino’s life.

Maalthee Dayaram – a teacher at Brookdale Secondary School that Valentino attended – noticed a budding talent in the young girl’s writing. With dedicated attention and ceaseless encouragement, Mrs Dayaram helped pave the way for this young writer. “You might be talented and have potential, but having someone actually believe in you and tell you that you have potential makes such a difference,” Valentino says. “I fell in love with writing, and had an idea that writing might be my future.” Dire economic circumstances threatened to snuff out any sparks of hope from that fragile future, though.

Aided by Lungisani Indlela (a non-profit organisation that provides children in the Amaoti area with school fees, uniforms, shoes, etc), Valentino clung to faith in the power of education. With unwavering single-mindedness, she consistently earned top grades.

Description: Valentino Ndaba 2 Tags: Valentino Ndaba 2

Photo: Sonia Small

Not if, but when
“Dreaming of my future, my gran would always say to me, ‘when you go to university’ or ‘when you have graduated’, this and that will follow.” Her gran’s words proved to be prophetic. As the final matric results were published in early January 2012, Valentino received a phone call that would change her life irrevocably.

That call came from the well-known South African humanitarian, Tich Smith. “Would you be willing to go to university in another province?” Smith asked. Never having travelled beyond her immediate surroundings, Valentino’s brave answer was: “Yes.”

A few days later, she walked onto the Bloemfontein Campus of the UFS.

Changing futures
Valentino proceeded to obtain a BA degree in Media Studies and Journalism in 2014. She has now set her sights on an honours degree, and envisions pursuing a Master’s degree in creative writing overseas.

“Without the support I received, I would have been stuck without a future,” she says. “University has shaped me into a better version of myself. I’ve grown intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally.”

You can bring about the same change for other students in need. By contributing to the UFS Student Bursary Fund Campaign, you can change the future not only of individuals, but of communities and of our country as well.

The impact of your financial support reaches far beyond its monetary value. It pulls families from poverty. It sends forth experts and visionaries into the world. It sets in motion a culture of giving.

Visit our Giving page for ways to contribute.

 

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