The relationship between the University of the Free State (UFS) and high schools in Bloemfontein and the region remains vital to the successful recruitment and enrolment of high-performing students at the university. 

To encourage and develop this cooperative bond, the office for Student Recruitment Services hosted a breakfast recently to honour school principals from Bloemfontein and surrounding towns for their continued support of UFS student recruitment programmes at their schools.

An educational nurturing ground for future Kovsies

At the event (hosted on 11 February 2020), the university presented school principals with awards for their contribution to student recruitment and enrolment. This year, the platinum award – which is the top award for more than 50 enrolments at the UFS in 2020 – was presented to Brebner High School, C&N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje, Eunice High School, Grey College Secondary School, Fichardt Park High School, Sentraal High School, and Jim Fouché High School. Other award categories were – gold for 20-49 enrolments, silver for 10-19 enrolments, and diamond for one to nine enrolments; these awards were presented to 22 schools from Bloemfontein, Thaba Nchu, Ficksburg, and Botshabelo.

Acknowledging their role as an educational nurturing ground for future Kovsies, Nomonde Mbadi, Director: Student Recruitment Services, says the value of the relationship with schools and principals is immeasurable, and will continue to be nurtured for years to come.

 “Principals, headmasters, teachers, and chairpersons of school governing bodies play an important role in advising and motivating learners to apply at institutions they regard as providers of quality tertiary education, and the UFS has been chosen, time and again, as the institution of choice.” 

School principals of Durban and Pretoria schools will be honoured by similar events during March and May 2020 respectively.