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UFS rolls out second iteration of the Umoja Buddy Programme

03 March 2020

The Office for International Affairs (OIA) at the University of the Free State (UFS) implemented the second iteration of its Umoja Buddy Programme (UBP) in 2020. The UBP is a flagship internationalisation-at-home programme aimed at the smooth academic, social, and cultural integration of first-entering international students at the UFS by pairing them with senior UFS students. It offers local students an international experience on the home campus and develops their international and intercultural competence through direct interaction with international students. The UBP contributes to the achievement of the UFS vision, whereby every student will in future have an international experience during their studies at the UFS.

Internationalisation at home

On 13 February 2020, a welcome function themed Echoes of Sophiatown set the tone for this year’s edition. Chevon Slambee, Chief Officer in the OIA and UFS master’s student, welcomed the students and explained the theme of the day. She said that, “as students, we have a responsibility to be active citizens and contribute to change and social transformation”. Programme coordinator Bulelwa Moikwatlhai introduced the function and framework of the programme and highlighted the importance of internationalisation at home. Also in attendance was the Dean of Students, Pura Mgolombane, who encouraged students in his address to honour their heritage, “so that together, we can be able to appreciate one another”. He emphasised the importance of social justice for academic success. The SRC member for the International Student Council, Simba Matheba, expressed his support for the UBP. The UFS Arts, Culture, and Dialogue office provided entertainment at the event.

Umoja Buddy

International and local students mingling at the 2020 Umoja Buddy Programme Welcome Function.

News Archive

One student – nine awards

2012-04-04

Marina Viljoen
2 April 2012

Marina Viljoen was also a recipient of one of the university’s Dean’s Medals at the Autumn Graduation Ceremony. Apart from the Dean’s Medal, Marina also received nine awards at the Faculty of Law’s prize-giving ceremony. She was awarded the degree LL.B. (summa cum laude).

Marina is studying for her LL.M. degree, while doing her articles at Webbers Attorneys in Bloemfontein. “Kovsies definitely has the best law faculty in the country. The lecturers are really friendly and very helpful,” said Marina.
Heyns du Preez received the Dean’s Medal in the Faculty of Theology. He completed a B.Th. degree, and is registered for a M.Th. degree in Pastoral Studies. He works part-time at the student church on the Bloemfontein Campus of the university.

Maryke du Toit also received her degree at this year’s Autumn Graduation Ceremony. She is the daughter of Yolanda du Toit, a staff member at the university. Maryke, who has already completed her B.Com. Law degree, received her LL.B. (cum laude).

She is currently studying at the university’s Centre for Financial Planning as a certified financial planner. “Kovsies has been an unforgettable student experience with the beautiful campus, excellent lecturers and course. I’ve enjoyed every moment,” she said.

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