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Star of Stars induction camp: Celebrating excellence and building futures

28 February 2023 | Story Samkelo Fetile | Photo Supplied

The 2022 cohort of the University of the Free State (UFS) Star of Stars programme were welcomed to the university with a special Star of Stars induction camp held at the Letsatsi Game Lodge in Smithfield in the Free State. The exclusive event was held to celebrate the top 10 students who made it into the 2022 cohort of the Star of Stars programme, which identifies and supports top-achieving learners from underprivileged backgrounds.

Star of Stars is an initiative of the UFS Student Recruitment Services department to identify high-achieving Grade 12 learners from quintile 1 to 3 schools in all five districts of the Free State.

Entries are evaluated in three categories, i.e. academic performance, leadership achievements, and community involvement. Ten finalists are selected after a rigorous judging and evaluation process. The competition opens opportunities for the finalists to excel academically through personal development, counselling, and mentorship.

The induction camp is a crucial part of this support system, and includes workshops on thriving in an academic environment, financial literacy, personal development seminars, and vision board sessions.

More than just a weekend of celebration

The students were treated to a fun-filled weekend away and rewarded with prizes such as branded clothing, stationery, and cash prizes. “These incentives were not just a way to celebrate their achievements but also to encourage them to continue striving for excellence. It was also an opportunity for the students to meet and connect with each other. They shared their stories, aspirations, and challenges. They also built networks and support structures that will help them succeed beyond the competition.” Said Teli Mothabeng, officer at the Student Recruitment Services department.

The Letsatsi Game Lodge was the perfect backdrop for this event, as the students had the opportunity to unwind and connect with nature, which was a much-needed break from the daily challenges they face in their communities. The environment also provided an ideal setting for introspection and goal-setting. The Star of Stars induction camp was a celebration of their achievements, and a vital part of their journey towards success. The Star of Stars competition aims to create a brighter future for underprivileged communities by identifying and supporting the next generation of leaders. The induction camp was a crucial step in this direction.

Applications for the Star of Stars competition for learners who are in Grade 12 in 2023 and are interested in studying at UFS in 2024 open on 1 April and close on 31 August 2023.

News Archive

UFS apologises for noise disturbance during newcomers' student festival

2010-02-01

Last night (Saturday, 30 January 2010), the University of the Free State (UFS) received various complaints regarding disturbance caused by the noise during a student function that took place at the Rag Farm on the Main Campus.

"I wish to apologise on behalf of the UFS for the inconvenience that residents in the neighbouring residential areas had to suffer during the Newcomers’ Student Festival last night,” said Mr Rudi Buys, Dean of Student Affairs at the UFS.

The function took place to conclude the welcoming period for new students. “Although strict measures applied regarding the staging of the event, amongst others, cut-off times for the performances of the guest artists and die organisation of the Rag Farm to prevent excessive noise, various unexpected factors made this difficult,” said Mr Buys.

One of the factors was the fact the more than double the expected number of spectators attended the event. As a result of this, measures pertaining to crowd control had to be adjusted. “Although we managed to end the event without any incidents, I am truly sorry that we could not bring the disturbance caused to the neighbouring suburbs to an end earlier,” he said.

“We are committed to finding a sustainable solution to those types of challenges that student events at the Rag Farm can offer to the neighbouring residential areas. Therefore we are going to call meetings with residents and community leaders of the residential areas in order to resolve the problems in a collaborative manner,” Mr Buys said.

An internal evaluation of the situation shall also be undertaken in order to rectify any possible errors or shortcomings in the organisation of the Newcomers’ Student Festival, as well as regarding the organisation of future student events.

“We would like to thank residents of the neighbouring residential areas for the exceptional way in which they often exercise patience, show understanding and make allowances for the times when student activities taking place on the Main Campus become demanding. It is therefore important for us to find solutions to challenges in this regard and engage in meaningful cooperation with residents,” said Mr Buys.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication (actg)
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl@ufs.ac.za
31 January 2010

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