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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

Statement in the media on 14 January 2016 by national student structures about national student protests
2016-01-15

The University of the Free State takes cognisance of the decision by national student structures on 14 January 2016 that protests should stop and students return to studies. Here are selections from a transcription of the press conference, followed by a link to the full and complete transcript:

“The PYA calls for Back to School... The Progressive Youth Alliance, Sasco, YCL, ANC Youth League, call upon students from all walks of life to use the systems provided by government and not delay their future any longer unnecessarily. There is no reason at all for strikes to continue when people's government has addressed the main immediate concerns of students...

“Members of PYA, Sasco, ANC Youth League, and the Young Communist League, and all progressive forces, should defend the interests and gains of students who marched genuinely for FeesMustFall last year. They must make sure that students are on the concession provided by government and go back to class and wait for the report from the commission [on free higher education recently established by President Zuma]...

“Students should be decisive and reject dark forces that seek to delay them further, and students should play their part by ensuring that they focus on their academic studies, and take the opportunity provided through this additional loans and bursaries to successfully complete their studies...

“Students can no longer delay their studies. They must be allowed to write their examinations - those who did not write last year - and those who need to register, must register and go back to class. We will regroup ten months into the year when the report of free higher education has been released, to consider its content...

“Fees have indeed fallen, access must rise, and all students must go back to school.”
 
Link to complete transcript: http://ow.ly/X5ViR

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