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10 September 2018 Photo Charlene Stanley
Learning to hope Doretha jacobs
Doretha Jacobs from UFS Consumer Studies teaches Matshidiso Motlhabane from Thaba Nchu Machine Sewing for Beginners.
The 6th annual Learning Festival is a combined effort by the UFS, NGOs and government departments, and is all about equipping people with skills that can help them to earn an income and so improve their quality of life.

Where it all began

The festival started six years ago as a conference focusing on job creation that the university hosted with Bloem Shelter, an NPO caring for homeless people. What started as a talkshop, has matured into a fully-fledged workshop in the truest sense. This year about 500 different skills-training opportunities are on offer, ranging from hairdressing, carpentry, and sewing, to workshops on mindfulness, 3D printing and first aid training. “The imparting of knowledge is not just a one-way flow,” explains UFS Director of Community Engagement, Bishop Billyboy Ramahlele. “Workshop presenters also learn a lot from participants. People empower one another with knowledge, and in so doing, we build better communities.”  

Creating heroes

This year’s theme, From Zero to Hero, is more than a slogan; it’s a reality. Some workshop attendees that started with absolutely no skills three years ago are now running successful businesses. 

Road to hope

“This is so much more than just teaching people a way to earn money,” says Izak Botes from Bloem Shelter. “When people don’t work, they also lose their sense of belonging and they start doubting their own worth. This festival is about teaching them to believe in themselves again.” 

News Archive

The 70th Intervarsity between the UFS and North-West University approaches
2013-07-10

 

Intervarsity programme (pdf)

In what promises to be a spectacular event, the University of the Free State (UFS) will host the 70th Intervarsity between the UFS and North-West University (NWU) from 9–10 August 2013.

Students, staff and spectators from all three NWU campuses – Potchefstroom, Mafikeng and Vanderbijlpark – will flock to Bloemfontein to participate in one of the country’s oldest sport contests between universities. The rivalry between the two universities is one of the most reckoned events on the local and national sports and student calendars, and it is widely supported.

Rugby, soccer, hockey, netball, volleyball and basketball will satisfy sports fans’ appetite during the weekend. For a more cultural dose, choral singing and debating competitions, as well as dialogue between student leaders will take place. All campuses of the two universities will participate in the programmes.

Rudi Buys, Dean: Student Affairs at the UFS, said the celebration of the 70th Intervarsity between the two institutions will be an important milestone to commemorate decades of friendship, collaboration and healthy competition.

“At Intervarsity 2013 not only do we celebrate a 70-year-legacy of friendship, but also see the potential of another 70 years of shared growth in a new country. We're especially excited with new events that focus on students debating societal issues and celebrating the vibrant diversity of artistic and cultural genres of our society. These events will be remembered for long."

As a run-up to Intervarsity, the university will also host the second annual Intravarsity between the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses with sport and cultural teams from the two campuses competing against each other. Intravarsity 2013will behosted on the Qwaqwa Campus and will take place from 26–27 July 2013.

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