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30 March 2022 | Story Nonsindiso Qwabe | Photo Nonsindiso Qwabe
US Consul
US Consul General Vincent Spera (centre) and his delegation, alongside Dr Cornelius Hagenmeier (UFS), Dr Jesse Lutabingwa (App State), Morena Tsholo Mopeli (Mopeli Royal family representative), Qwaqwa Campus principalship, and Dr Grey Magaiza and Prof Geofrey Mukwada (UFS project coordinators, far right).


“There are many shared values between the US and SA, such as a commitment to institutions, the belief in the importance of science and research, investment in education, and a commitment to human rights. This comes through in partnerships such as this; science-based, collaboration-based partnerships designed at their core to strengthen the University of the Free State and the Appalachian State University.”

These were the words of the US Consul General in Johannesburg, Vincent Spera, during his visit to the Qwaqwa Campus on Wednesday 23 March 2022.

His visit reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the University of the Free State Qwaqwa Campus and the Appalachian State University in North Carolina, USA.

Consul general commends research partnership

Spera said as the representative of the US Government, it was powerful and important to learn more about the research and capacity-building initiatives that are taking place as a result of the partnership between the two institutions.
The US Consulate is a key link in the strategic partnership between the two institutions. In 2020, the US Embassy and Consulates in South Africa funded the implementation of projects at the two institutions through the R8 million mountain-to-mountain research grant.

Since then, the grant has introduced two master’s degree offerings in Community Development and Mountain Environments, five meteorological weather stations – with one based on the Qwaqwa Campus, leadership capacity building for black women in academia, and doctoral research projects. This grant is funded by the US Embassy and Consulates in South Africa.

“It’s exactly why we have these university partnerships, and it’s really meaningful to see it in practice,” he said.
Spera and his delegation were given an overview of the ongoing projects by the UFS project leaders, Dr Grey Magaiza and Prof Geofrey Mukwada, and the Appalachian State University project leader and Vice-Chancellor for International Education and Development, Dr Jesse Lutabingwa.

The long-term relationship began in 2008 as a framework for academic and scientific cooperation across multiple scopes of teaching and research activities for students and staff members on the Qwaqwa Campus.

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Motho ke motho ka batho. A person is a person through others.
2016-04-26

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Student Bursary Fund Campaign booklet (pdf)
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Student Bursary Fund Campaign launched: #FundAFuture and make a difference

 

“I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to study further. For that to happen, the heavens had to forge a way.” Mixed feelings dapple Jean-Pierré van der Walt's face as he recounts the miracles - and hardships - of his journey.

Motho ke motho ka batho. A person is a person through others.

Jean-Pierré is one of ambassadors of the Student Bursary Fund Campaign, launched by the University of the Free State (UFS). The project aims to raise R100 m to fund talented, deserving students who do not have the financial means to obtain a university degree. This financial support will change the future irrevocably for many young people in our country, young people who are similar to Jean-Pierré.

Description: Jean-Pierré van der Walt Tags: Jean-Pierré van der Walt

Jean-Pierré van der Walt
Photo: Sonia Small

“When I was in matric, going to university was never an option.” Surmounting his financial circumstances seemed impossible. “It made me feel despondent, and I thought to myself: after school, what would my life be like, where am I going?” It was at this juncture in his life that a funding opportunity enabled him to pursue his dream of making a difference in the world through education. He embarked on a BEd degree in Senior and FET (Further Education and Training) Teaching, which he completed in 2015.

“Varsity taught me to stand up for myself, to make my voice heard,” Jean-Pierré says. “If I did not have the opportunity to attend university, I would have missed my calling in life: to show the world that, despite your physical restrictions, you can still make a difference.” Jean-Pierré is differently-abled as a result of cerebral palsy.

Looking to be placed as an English and Sesotho teacher, Jean-Pierré is eager to teach children that anything is possible, regardless of heritage, family life, or circumstances. “Motho ke motho ka batho. A person is a person through others,” he says is the philosophy he lives by. “One cannot survive in solitude; one needs others to go further in life.”

In the same way, the UFS needs your support and generosity. Each contribution will bring us closer to our goal of R100 m, and to changing the landscape of our youth’s future.

Visit our Giving page for ways to donate.

 

For enquiries or further information:
T: +27(0)51 401 3966 | E: FundAFuture@ufs.ac.za | www.ufs.ac.za

 

 


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