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“A mind that is learning is a free mind and freedom demands the responsibility of learning” – J. Krishnamurti. What is the essence of education in our modern society amid the emerging, unprecedented, present-day circumstances? On 27 November 2020, third-year students from the University of the Free State (UFS) not only sought to inspire the youth in Kestell and bring them messages of hope, but also actively engaged them on how to be equipped with the necessary skills that would help them surf through the rapidly advancing world economics and the changing labour-market demands.
The collaboration with other expert stakeholders created a platform for significant conversation about alternative skills training that is designed to successfully address the current economic needs, thus enabling education to thrive and serve the intended purpose, which would ultimately manifest in effective transformation within communities. The UFS Qwaqwa Campus Community Engagement office coordinated the teamwork, comprising the Free State Department of Social Development, Maluti TVET College, the Free State School of Nursing, AGAPE Foundation for Community Development, Japie Lepele Foundation, the Riverside Finishing School, and Advance Academy.
TVET education allows students to progress in fields that suit them best and at the same time acquire skills needed for the future world of work. Information Technology (IT) students and staff members shared encouraging testimonies of their education experience and employment. The academy presented their finishing school programme to encourage learners to complete their secondary education even after they have suffered some interruptions. Although there are currently many challenges facing education in our semi-rural areas – such as Kestell – that result in lack of access to education and insufficient resources, civil partnerships like these are supporting and enabling communities in their quest to find their own solutions.
South African universities: Political flashpoints or centres of academic excellence?
2009-02-11
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Joint statement by the Convocation of the University of the Free State (UFS) and The South African Academy for Science and Arts
Are South African universities political flashpoints or centres of academic excellence? This is the theme of an international symposium that will be presented on 26 and 27 February 2009 by the Convocation of the University of the Free State (UFS) in collaboration with The South African Academy for Science and Arts on the Main Campus of the UFS in Bloemfontein.
Several renowned speakers such as Prof. Fernand de Varennes (of the Murdoch Law School, Perth, Australia), Prof. Stef Coetzee (former rector of the UFS and presently the executive director of the Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut (AHI)) and Dr Franklin Sonn (chancellor of the UFS) will take part in the discussion. Matters like diversity, transformation and conflict management, alienation, tolerance, conciliation and solutions will be debated. Members of the Convocation and the Academy are invited to attend and take part in the discussion.
The symposium commences on Thursday, 26 February 2009 at 19:00 in the Centenary Complex with a reception and opening address by Dr Sonn. On Friday, 27 February 2009 from 08:00 the discussion of the theme takes place in the Senate Hall, CR Swart Building. The proceedings are expected to last until 17:00.
A complete list of the speakers and the titles of their addresses are available on request.
Due to limited seating interested persons are advised to confirm their attendance with Ms Kathy Verwey at 051 401 9343 / verweyke.stg@ufs.ac.za .
Full programme
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SA Universities: Political Flashpoints or Centres of Academic Excellence? – 26-27 February 2009
P R O G R A M
Chairperson: Judge Joos Hefer
Sponsors: The Centre for Financial Planning Law UFS
The Kovsie Alumni Trust
Thursday 26 February
19:00 Welcome: Judge Joos Hefer (President Convocation UFS)
19:10 Welcome: Prof. Theuns Verschoor (Acting Rector UFS)
19:20 - 19:50 Dr. Franklin Sonn (Chancellor UFS)
19:50 - 20:20 Mr. Dave Steward (Executive Director, F.W. de Klerk Foundation)
20:25 Reception
Friday 27 February
08:30 - 09:10 Prof. Fernand de Varennes (Murdoch School of Law)
09:10 - 09:20 Discussion
09:20 - 09:50 Prof. Stef Coetzee (Former UFS Rector)
09:50 - 10:00 Discussion
10:00 - 10:20 Interval
10:20 - 10:50 Prof. Annette Combrink (Rector, NWU, Potch-campus)
10:50 - 11:00 Discussion
11:00 - 11:30 Prof. Pieter Kapp (President, Convocation, US)
11:30 - 11:40 Discussion
11:40 - 12:10 Mr. Sean Moodley (CEO, Desmond Tutu Diversity Trust)
12:10 - 12:20 Discussion
12:20 - 12:50 Dr. Dirk Hermann (Deputy Executive Head: Development, Solidarity)
12:50 - 13:00 Discussion
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
14:00 - 14:30 Prof. Marlene Verhoef (Director Institutional Language Directorate NWU)
14:30 - 14:40 Discussion
14:40 - 15:10 Dr. Danny Titus (Executive Director: Culture ATKV)
15:10 - 15:20 Discussion
15:20 - 15:50 Interval
15:50 - 16:20 Prof. Hennie van Coller (Head Dept. Afrikaans, Dutch. German and French UFS, Chairperson SA Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns)
16:20 - 16:30 Discussion
16:30 General discussion: Dilemma or opportunities?
17:00 Close
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Statement by:
Judge Joos Hefer
President of the Convocation
Tel: 051 436 1843
Cell: 083 630 1395
E-mail: jjfhefer@telkomsa.net
Prof Jacques van der Elst
Chief Executive Officer
The South African Academy for Science and Arts
Tel: 012 328 5082
Cell: 082 8807636
E-mail: jvde@akademie.co.za
Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
10 February 2009
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Dr Franklin Sonn,
Chancellor of the University of the Free State.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs |
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