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28 November 2022 | Story Edzani Nephalela | Photo Edzani Nephalela
UFS Creative Clubs
Joleen Hamilton assists learners with their activities.

In an ever-changing, increasingly complicated world, the youth must be prepared to bring knowledge and skills to solve issues, make sense of information, and know how to acquire and analyse evidence to make judgements. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education encourages discussions and problem-solving among students, developing practical skills and an appreciation for collaborations. 

The Social Responsibility Projects department on the UFS South Campus is running a Creative Clubs programme that speaks to STEM education and collaboration.

Opening opportunities 

The primary goal of Creatives Clubs, a MerSETA-funded programme, is to open opportunities to develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and reasoning skills. One aspect Creative Clubs focuses on is identifying potential in the pupil and supporting them in participating in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. Learners participate in mathematics, science, and coding activities at the club.

According to Joleen Hamilton, the coordinator and founder of Creatives Clubs, they currently host top-achieving learners in maths from eight schools from Grades 8–12 in Bloemfontein. These schools are split into two groups, which meet at the South Campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “We need maths daily, since it stimulates the intellect and aids problem-solving. That’s why, no matter how complicated the sum looks, keep trying and do not give up,” Hamilton said at one of the maths sessions.

Enhancing critical thinking

Matheko Thamae, also a coordinator, mentioned that this programme significantly improves maths and science outcomes for high school learners. “With a dynamic world of innovation and the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), the club also assists learners with critical thinking and in solving their communities’ socio-economic issues,” Thamae said. 

“Attending these sessions assists me in thinking out of the box and realising that every problem has a solution. I will continue to attend the programme so that I can find solutions to unresolved problems,” Sechaba Ramakatsa, a Grade 9 learner from Lekhulong Secondary School, said. Ramakatsa, who enjoys assisting others, aspires to be a medical doctor so that people might have better healthcare experiences.

News Archive

Senior management wore T-shirts in support of Cheetahs
2005-10-19

Senior management of the University of the Free State (UFS) wore the T-shirts of the Cheetahs in support of the Free State rugby team that will be playing in the Currie Cup final against the Blue Bulls this coming Saturday.   

 

 

Front from left:
Mr Willem Malherbe (Registrar: Strategic Planning), Prof Sakkie Steyn (Registrar: General), Mr Billyboy Ramahlele (Director: Diversity) and
Prof Magda Fourie, Vice-Rector: Academic Planning.

Back from the left:
Dr Ezekiel Moraka (Vice-Rector: Student Affairs), Prof Teuns Verschoor (Vice-Rector: Academic Operations), Prof Tienie Crous (Dean: Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences), Ds Kiepie Jaftha (Chief Director: Community Service) and Prof Niel Viljoen (Chief Director: Operations).
 

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