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10 February 2023 | Story Lunga Luthuli | Photo Lunga Luthuli
Gateway Amigos
Volunteer Gateway Amigos, a University of the Free State initiative to assist first-entering students during Gateway First-year Orientation and the transition to life at the institution.

The University of the Free State (UFS) will be hosting welcoming ceremonies – which include the 2023 UFS Dream Walk event – for first-year students on the Bloemfontein and South Campuses on 18 February 2023, and on the Qwaqwa Campus on 25 February 2023.  

The Dream Walk – also known as Kovsie Dream – is an annual event, with the first being hosted in 2022.  With the event, the UFS welcomes first-year students to the university community, placing an emphasis on their individual dreams and aspirations. The event is also an opportunity for new students to familiarise themselves with the university, facilities, available opportunities, and to make new friends. 

The UFS recognises the importance of helping students set and pursue their dreams, especially in their first year. During the event, students will have an opportunity to interact with university staff, as well as current students who will share their experiences of pursuing their dreams and overcoming obstacles. 

Students participating in the Dream Walk will have the chance to explore their potential, identify their passions, and by completing their dream cards, they will be able to set goals for their individual futures.

Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, will officially welcome students to the UFS on both days – on the Bloemfontein Campus on 18 February 2023, and on the Qwaqwa Campus on 25 February 2023.  The welcoming messages on the two campuses will be followed by a Dream Walk.  Students participating in the Dream Walk will move along the same route that students follow on the day of graduation. 

The Division of Student Affairs believes that building a strong support network is crucial for students to succeed in their academic and professional lives. By connecting with staff and seniors, first-year students will gain valuable insight into their chosen courses and receive advice on how to achieve their academic goals.

Dr WP Wahl, Director: Student Life within the Division of Student Affairs, said: “The UFS is committed to providing its students with the support and resources they need to pursue their dreams. The Rector’s Welcoming, coupled with the Dream Walk, is an exciting opportunity for first-year students to start their university journey on the right foot and to set themselves up for success.”

For more information on the Welcoming, the Dream Walk event, and the programme, please click here

News Archive

Students come together to commemorate Mandela
2016-08-18

Description: Tribute to Nelson Mandela 2016 Tags: Tribute to Nelson Mandela 2016

Where there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful results are bound to follow. Students from the School of Allied Health Professions at the Faculty of Health Sciences demonstrated this in their collaboration with students from the Department of Fine Arts to pay homage to Mandela, through a Nelson Mandela-inspired art piece.

Fingerprint donations go a long way
Creating a portrait of the icon on a canvas, they invited members of the university to take part in completing the portrait with their fingerprints, for a small fee. The initiative was aimed at celebrating the life of the world leader. And in true Madiba spirit, the contributions collected were donated to the university’s ‘No Student Hungry’ (NSH) programme. The programme provides less privileged students with the necessary nourishment to excel in their academic studies.

UFS community embodies selflessness
Vicky Simpson of the NSH programme said that initiatives such as these reveal the true spirit of compassion and sense of commitment found in members of the UFS community. “NHS is sincerely grateful to each and every person who made a contribution. It will surely go a long way”. The day was sealed with special performances by Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy students.

More opportunities for student participation and involvement in completing the artwork will be presented in future.

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