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22 May 2018 Photo iStock
UFSAfricaWeek -  Sharing a meal to celebrate Africa Day

Since the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963, the day has been renowned as Africa Day, celebrated widely across the world and particularly in Africa to signify Africa’s identity and unity.

As a build-up for Africa Day celebrations, the Student Representative Council’s (SRC) executive committee of the International Students Council collectively came up with the ‘Meal in a jar’ initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to reach out to the community, interact and promote unity as a way of celebrating Africa day. It is also to bring to life the sense of integration and inclusion for international students. “From the time one sets foot at the University of the Free State (UFS), the only community most of us will know is the UFS community,” said Andrei Tendai, the SRC International Students Council representative.
 
The international students’ council in collaboration with Elanja Children’s Initiative identified Heide Primary School in Heidedal for this project. Through the ‘Meal in a jar’ initiative, international students will have the opportunity to engage with the broader community outside the institution’s walls in a fun and unique way. Together with volunteers from House Kestell and other partners, the SRC on 24 May 2018 will prepare and share a meal in a jar with 130 learners.

“This project emphasises the efforts by the SRC to denote a significant shift from an attitude of international students’ isolation and exclusion, to an inclusive and open policy that encourages integration and the promotion of the right to equality,” said Tendai.
 
Celebrating Africa day is also about working towards an Africa that relies on the potential of its people, and whose development is people-driven especially for women, youth and children. 

For more information on this project, contact Sonya Kapfumvuti on 062 258 2776.

News Archive

UFS talks directly to South African ambassador to Japan
2011-03-16

Direct conversation between the UFS and the South African ambassador to Japan
Photo: Gerda-Marie Viviers

During a direct conversation with the South African ambassador to Japan, Mr Gert Grobler, today, the University of the Free State (UFS) expressed its compassion and solidarity with the people of Japan. The university also stated that it intended to support the country and its citizens in various ways.

This came after Japan was plunged into chaos the past week as a result of various earthquakes and consequential disasters. Mr Grobler, who participated in the conversation via Skype from Tokyo, welcomed this talk initiative initiated by Mr Rudi Buys, Dean: Student Affairs, and the Interim Student Committee (ISC). The talks formed part of a series of initiatives launched by students to promote solidarity with Japan, and which includes fund-raising projects and awareness campaigns.

Mr Grobler expressed his appreciation for the initiative: “The initiative by the UFS is greatly appreciated, and I shall do anything to promote partnerships between the UFS and Japan, particularly in collaboration with the ambassador for Japan in South Africa. The solidarity project is essential, because this is the worst crisis Japan has ever experienced in its history.”

In solidarity with Japan, the Student Committee envisages a mass march on Thursday, 17 March 2011 by means of which students will declare their unanimity with Japan and their support of human rights.

Prof. Jonathan Jansen, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Rector, also promised to send a message of support directly to the Japanese embassy in Pretoria, as well as extending a hand of support to Japanese universities in order to become part of discussions on how to render assistance, while making plans for students to visit the respective countries and share their experiences first-hand.

Mr Buys informed the ambassador that the university would support the rescue teams, which are departing for Japan in response to a request by Mr Grobler, by means of manpower.  In response to this, Mr Grobler, a Kovsie alumnus, welcomed this token of compassion and offer of assistance. “I am excited to see that South Africa cares so much for Japan.”
 

Media Release
15 March 2011
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za

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