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02 September 2019 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa
Precious  Lesupi
“Being a humanitarian cost you absolutely nothing.” – Precious Lesupi

University of the Free State (UFS) second-year BA Journalism student, Precious Lesupi from Kanana in the North-West, is a self-proclaimed ‘lover of people.’ She chose to spend her 21st birthday with disadvantaged children afflicted by life-threatening and life-limiting conditions at Bloemfontein’s Sunflower Children’s Hospice.  

Precious explains that her self-developed and coordinated charity and donation drive dubbed ‘Sunflower’s 21st’, was born in commemoration of her father who passed away after suffering from cancer. Her donation drive is aimed at catering for the medical needs of children battling chronic and terminal illnesses, such as cancer. The campaign will run until 2 November 2019, which marks this year's International Children's Day.

Her own personal experiences with genetic illnesses and diseases have been severely trying. But she believes her different life experiences and her family orientation have helped to shape her into being the vibrant, empathetic, philanthropic, and strong-willed young woman she is today.

Her goal is to continue initiating positive, life-enriching experiences for the less fortunate – especially children. 

Precious simultaneously drove another campaign alongside Sunflower’s 21st, called the Winter Jacket Challenge, which aimed to provide the homeless with jackets and warm clothing for winter. 

The embodiment of a clear benevolent spirit that burns to create positive memories and experiences for the less fortunate.

If you would like to contribute Precious’ initiative contact: 0815372500 

News Archive

Prof Jonathan Jansen recipient of the prestigious Excellence in Education Award
2015-10-19

Prof Jonathan Jansen

Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State (UFS), has been chosen from an exceptionally impressive pool of alumni as one of three inaugural recipients of the Stanford Graduate School of Education’s Excellence in Education Award. 

Not only did Prof Jansen obtain a doctorate degree in 1991 from Stanford University (USA), but also continued his studies there as a Fulbright Scholar from 2007 to 2008. His work as an advocate for intellectual freedom, and in leading the UFS toward racial integration, is widely recognised as a model for higher education. “Prof Jansen’s scholarship on these topics has an international audience and impact, and we are honoured to count him as one of our own,” said Dr Deborah Stipek, Dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Education and Professor of Education at Stanford University.

According to Dr Stipek, the Excellence in Education Award signals a critical step in the School’s drive to recognise, and raise the profile of, the transformative work of the alumni. The other two recipients are Helen Kim, Vice-Principal, Eastside College Preparatory School in East Palo Alto, California and Carla Pugh, Vice-Chair, Education and Patient Safety, Clinical Director, University of Wisconsin Clinical Simulation Programme.
 
"I think they made a mistake; after all, there have been so many illustrious alumni over the decades. I am, nonetheless, humbled and grateful for this wonderful act of recognition."

Prof Jansen will receive the award on 23 October 2015 at Stanford University in Palo Alto during the Graduate School of Education’s Alumni Award reception.

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