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28 February 2023 | Story Samkelo Fetile | Photo Supplied
Star of stars
UFS Student Recruitment Services Department staff with students who took part in the Star of Stars induction camp at the Letsatsi Game Lodge.

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.

 

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News Archive

Roosmaryn and Veritas – 2013 Kovsie Sêr winners
2013-08-05

 

The two winning residences will represent the university at the national Sêr finals at the North-West University on 31 August 2013.
Photo: Johan Roux
05 August 2013

  Video clip (YouTube)
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Roosmaryn and Veritas will be the proud UFS representatives at the national Sêr competition, taking place at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University on Saturday 31 August 2013.

These two residences emerged as the victors of the McDonald’s Bloemfontein Kovsie Kleinsêr competition on Saturday evening 3 Augusts. They will now proceed to compete for the national title against residence teams from the universities of Stellenbosch, Pretoria, Johannesburg and North-West.

Roosmaryn and Veritas had to battle it out against eleven other UFS residence teams before walking away with the coveted first prize. In the male division, Vishuis and Kagiso locked horns with Veritas in a titanic struggle to attained second and third place respectively. The two city residences, Sonnedou and Marjolein, achieved second and third position in the division for the ladies’ residences.

This year’s Kovsie Kleinsêr competition, which is a highlight on the Bloemfontein calendar, was characterised by fierce competition, top-class entertainment and loads of singing talent. Spectators could follow the action from three venues on the Bloemfontein Campus, with participants performing in the Scaena, Odeion and Kovsie Church.

The McDonald’s clown, Ronald McDonald, added boisterous fun to the proceedings in the Kovsie Church. The clown, the participants’ costumes and their vocal abilities were some of the hot topics discussed on the social network Twitter, where the competition ‘trended’ for some time.

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