Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items

Wellness drive officially launched

15 June 2020 | Story Amanda Thongha

&amp;nbsp;

WATCH: Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Hendri Kroukamp, the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Susan Van Jaarveld, Senior Director at the Department of Human Sources, and Brandon Jacobs, Head of Retail and Business Banking at Standard Bank, Central Free State explain what the “I Am’ Wellness programme is about.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance continues to be a juggling act for most, more so during this uncertain time dominated by COVID-19. To help individuals cope with life challenges, the University of the Free State (UFS) has launched a new short learning programme that addresses all aspects of well-being.

The ‘I Am’ Wellness short learning programme, open to UFS staff, private individuals, and businesses, kicks off on 19 June 2020. A number of prominent South Africans participating in the launch of the ‘I Am’ Wellness short learning programme are, among others, Kovsie alumna and former Miss World, Rolene Strauss; former Miss South Africa, Amy Kleinhans; and motivational speaker and author, Alison Botha. Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela rounds off the list of public figures who have also expressed interest in the programme.

Burneline Kaars, Head of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness at the UFS, says those interested in the programme can look forward to content focusing on different topics and themes related to wellness aspects. Participants will discover the fun of finding ways to improve their health and well-being through activities, games, quizzes, and many more.

“Upon completion of this programme, participants will be equipped to understand and improve their own personal and work-related well-being. They will be empowered to increase their own well-being and reach their optimal potential in both their personal and work life.”

The programme, a joint effort of the UFS Division of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness and the UFS Department of Industrial Psychology, can be completed online or as part of contact sessions, depending on the needs of the participants. Participants need to avail themselves four hours a week to successfully complete the programme. Those who master the two-month programme will also receive a certificate of completion from the UFS.

The programme is offered to UFS staff at no cost. External audiences will pay R9 500 per person to complete the programme. Groups of 10 and more will get a special discount when signing up.

Registration for the formal programme opens on Wednesday, 24 June 2020.

For more information, contact Burneline Kaars at KaarsB@ufs.ac.za.

Other programmes done by the UFS Organisational Development and Employee Wellness office:

First #MentalHealth awareness run to Stellenbosch to bring hope
Kovsies pedal smoothie bike for #MentalHealth

News Archive

Breakfast in aid of hungry students

2011-06-01

Our university again proved that it cares for the welbeing of its students when a sum of money was presented to the No Student Hungry Project during a breakfast function.

The Centre for Health and Wellness at the UFS organised the event, not only to introduce the scheme to staff and individuals and thank those concerned for their contributions, but also to present the project organisers with a donation of R50 000. Mrs Grace Jansen, wife of Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector and Dr Carin Buys, wife of Mr Rudi Buys, Student Dean, started the project this year after a study found that 20% of students at the UFS have to study on an empty stomach and that this often leads to students leaving the UFS prematurely.

Ms Tanja Malherbe, mistress of ceremonies, said that the project is blessed because it developed from the founder members’ love for the students. The project currently provides 6 000 deserving students with a meal per day.

Prof. Jansen said that although the university encourage academic success, the UFS is also ready to show its mettle on a humanitarian level. “We don’t want students to only study together, but also to eat together.” He added that food can promote a feeling of fellowship, gives comfort and is also a symbol for caring. “It is bad to be hungry, no matter what the colour of your skin. Especially when other people have food and you don’t.”He concluded by saying that we are blessed by giving to other people, and by giving, we also receive.

Ms Tarryn Nell, also from the centre, supported him by comparing caring to candlelight. “It drives the darkness away, involves compassion and gives direction. When two people can get things to change, the rest will follow.” She encouraged the audience to share their warmth, time, knowledge and resources with other people.

During the event, a picture summary also referred to two recent projects the centre hosted. The first was a free medical screening test for staff members and the second a temporary remembrance rose garden, representing the five main causes of deaths in the country. These causes are HIV, ischemic heart disease, stroke, tuberculosis and interpersonal violence.

The proceeds from Prof. Jansen’s book “We need to talk,” will be donated to the project. Persons wishing to make a contribution, can make a payment to the following account: ABSA 157085 0071, reference number 146 674 604, account number 0198, branch code 632 005. Deposit slips can be sent to pelserr@ufs.ac.za.

Back

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Health Sciences

The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

Open Distance Learning

Business School

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept