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UFS donates 500 masks to protect primary school learners

22 October 2021 | Story Dr Nitha Ramnath | Photo Rhona Klopper

Donating masks_web read more — Donating masks to Rekopane Primary School, were from the left: Alfi Moolman (UFS Directorate: Community Engagement), Sonja Venter-Botes (Bloemshelter), Tina Moleko (Rankwe Primary School), and Michelle Engelbrecht (UFS Centre for Health Systems Research and Development).

The Centre for Health Systems Research and Development (CHSR&D) at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently donated 500 masks to Rekopane Primary School in Botshabelo. This initiative was part of its pledge to donate 100 cloth masks to a previously disadvantaged primary school for every 1 000 of the first 5 000 completed questionnaires that formed part of a study survey examining people’s understanding of information about COVID-19 vaccines. The results of the study will be shared with stakeholders who are responsible for providing information about COVID-19 vaccinations.

It is known that a large number of people globally and in South Africa prefer not to be vaccinated. “There are many reasons for this, and we would like to find out where people are getting information about the COVID-19 vaccination, and whether they are able to understand this information, so that they can make an informed choice about getting vaccinated. We did this by asking people about their own health and COVID-19, where they have heard about the vaccine, if they understood this information, and whether they have had/would have the vaccine or not, as well as the reasons for this,” said Prof Michelle Engelbrecht, Director of CHSR&D.

While following guidelines such as wearing masks, sanitising hands, and social distancing are important to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a large percentage of the population will need to be vaccinated if we want to control the pandemic in the long term and prevent hospitalisation and severe illness.

All persons in South Africa aged 18 and older were invited to complete an online survey regarding their perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines. The survey, which was available in the seven most spoken languages in the country, was advertised on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, and on the Moya app. The survey was open from 1 to 31 September 2021, and the CHSR&D received 10 554 completed questionnaires. No data was required to complete the survey.

The Department of Basic Education partners decided on the school that would benefit, and the study provided an opportunity to support Bloemshelter, a UFS flagship programme. Alfi Moolman of the Directorate: Community Engagement said that “NGOs are really struggling to make ends meet, and we are delighted that Bloemshelter could provide the masks as one of their income-generating projects. So many lives are touched for the good. The university is indeed a caring organisation.”

News Archive

Veritas and Marjolein take Sêr champion’s title

2015-08-11

Veritas
Photo: Johan Roux

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Following zealous performances during the rotations from 3-6 August 2015, Veritas and Marjolein made the cut to the finals, subsequently emerging as the Kovsie Kleinsêr (Sêr) 2015 champions.

This year’s Sêr had 10 male and 14 female residences competing for a limited number of places in the finals. With only five and six spots available, respectively, the competition was extremely tough.

The University of the Free State’s cultural calendar culminated in a taxing final battle on Saturday 8 August 2015, by courtesy of MacDonalds Bloemfontein. Veritas, Vishuis and Armentum from the male section as well as Marjolein, Sonnedou, and Roosmaryn contending as female counterparts sent a rhythmic ripple across the Bloemfontein Campus.

With these residences occupying the top three spots, adrenaline reached maximum levels as the groups competed for the crown and a place in the nationals. Spectators at the sold-out music event experienced world-class entertainment in all three venues: the Albert Wessels Auditorium, the Odeion, and the Kovsie Church.

On 29 August 2015, the champions are scheduled to test their strength against the universities of Pretoria, the North West, and Johannesburg at the nationals. The Stellenbosch University is to host this year’s Kleinsêr national competition, where the best will be crowned as South Africa’s Klêinser kings and queens.

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