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Champion woman helps communal wool growers excel

06 August 2020 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied

foto 4 — Carien Denner will tell her 15-year-old self to drink more water, use more sunscreen, and to be present in the moment to not miss out on a single opportunity.

The Ruforum Wool project strives to ensure sustainable growth for communal wool farmers in the Free State by enabling them to compete in wool quality with commercial wool farmers through end-to-end development of the wool value chain. In this project, small-scale wool farmers and community members are identified and invited to take part in the project where they learn various skills in each component of the wool value chain. As a result, production by the communal wool growers is transformed from an underachieving enterprise to a profitable, sustainable, and renewable venture that will enhance the livelihoods of wool producers in the community.

An interview with Carien Denner, Project Manager in the Department of Consumer Science at the University of the Free State (UFS), revealed that there is more to this woman who is working hard to enhance the livelihoods of communities.

Please tell us about yourself: Who are you, and what do you do?

“I am involved in the Community Gardens Food Security project, as well as the Ruforum Wool project. With the latter project, I serve on the management team that was established to commercialise wool production in the communal areas of the province by developing strategies to overcome the various challenges faced by these growers.”

Is there a woman who inspires you and who you would like to celebrate this Women’s Month? Why?

“My mother, a teacher for more than 43 years, epitomises my idea of a dynamic woman being kind, encouraging, truthful, fun, strong, selfless, and brave through everything that life has thrown at her. I believe that a mother’s love and sacrifices are what makes us as women dynamic – each in her own right.”

What are some of the challenges you have faced in your life that have made you a better woman?

“When my dad passed away (I was 12 years old), I saw my mom being an ironwoman who never gave up and never got tired. Instead, she showed us what courage looks like and set an amazing example of strength and perseverance for my brother and me.”

What advice would you give to the 15-year-old you?

“This is not a good question to ask someone in the middle of a pandemic! I would tell myself to appreciate every day for what it is and not to stress about the future too much.

What would you say makes you a champion woman [of the UFS]?

“I think a champion woman is someone who – especially during these trying times – supports, empowers, and uplifts her fellow man. The Ruforum Wool project and everyone who is involved in it is doing precisely that. We need to empower, uplift, and encourage our emerging farmers to restore dignity and ensure sustainability in agriculture, food production, and their general participation in the economy. Communities surrounding them are equally in need of sustainable employment opportunities where valuable skills can be learned in order to provide for themselves and their families. This is what we strive to do to make a meaningful difference through our efforts.”

WATCH: Carien Denner from the UFS Department of Consumer Sciences serves on the management team of the Community Gardens Food Security project as well as the Ruforum Wool project, where she strives to enhance the livelihoods of communities.

News Archive

The UFS #FaceOfFacebook

2014-11-14

At the UFS, we are committed to our Human Project, which sets the standard for good behaviour and care. It reaches internally to our students and externally to our prospective students and our communities.

And so, the Kovsies #FaceOfFacebook was born from the need to communicate with students and thus become a virtual friend. Yearly auditions are held to choose the new face representing the UFS on Facebook. The successful candidate holds the title #FaceOfFacebook for the next 12 months, attending events and filming short video clips to post on our Facebook page.

We had a quick chat with our current #FaceOfFacebook, Katleho 'Blue' Letube …

Who is Blue?

"Media mistress, fashion phenom, diva divine darling, superwoman and lover of life.
I was born in a small town called Bothaville, where my mom and her side of the family are living . I started pre-school there, moved and completed my schooling career at St. Andrew's High School (a very proud S aint) in Welkom. That is where my dad and his side of the family are living . Also, I am a proud resident of House NJ vd Merwe and I am studying Governance and Political Transformation."

How do you balance everything you do?

"It's relatively easy for me to strike a balance between my academics, social life and leadership duties, because Jesus is at the centre of all that I do. He is my guide and my strength. However, I also take it upon myself to prioritise. Although I am a '' liker of things'' , I ensure that my academics are the priority and everything else falls into place perfectly."

Are you dating someone?

"Hahaha, wouldn't you just love to know? Well, yes I am off-market. I'm completely taken and I'm happy."

What drives you?

"I always feel the urge to expand myself by working harder, smarter, stronger, and more efficiently. If there's an extra mile to go, the strength inside me draws out the willingness and ability to go that extra mile."

What is it like being the #FaceOfFacebook?

"I have been privileged to be entrusted with this duty and I carry it out with pride and passion. Being the #FaceOfFacebook means you get to meet a new face on campus almost every day, because people recognis e you and want to know you better. This opportunity has opened many doors for me and has equipped me with skills that have allowed me to grow as an individual. Therefore I will forever be grateful."

Where are you going to be in five years from now?

"Five years from now I would like to see myself as a better person both personally and professionally, in a respectable and reputed position earned through my hard work and skills. However, do not be surprised if you see me as a presenter on Vuzu.TV."

Advice to prospective students?

"Do not be that pupil who enrolled at this awesome institute and never takes advantage of its kindness. The University of The Free State is an institution that offers an excessive amount of opportunities to students. Step up and get out of your comfort zone. See an opportunity, seek the opportunity and cease it. You are at a university that provides you with a platform for you to grow."

What's your favourite colour?

My favourite colours are Black, White and Blue – hahaha!!

Kovsies can keep in touch:

Facebook: Katlego Blue Letube
Twitter: @Princess_blue31
Instagram: katlegoletube

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