Latest News Archive
Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
01 June 2023
|
Story Nicole Bongo
|
Photo Supplied
University of the Free State students participating in one of the many projects coordinated by the Engaged Scholarship Office.
To help make a change and push for sustainable development, the University of the Free State Division of Student Affairs works with communities around Bloemfontein fostering a culture of creating sustainable solutions.
Gernus Terblanche, Kovsie Support Services and Assistant Researcher in the Division says, ‘it is important for the university to be actively involved in the community as it makes up such a large portion of the Bloemfontein and students also
represent many different communities on and off- campus.’
Terblanche said: “As an educational institution it is vital for the UFS to support and guide students towards creating innovative solutions; both local and globally. Our experience is that students often come up with real solutions that can
make a real impact in the lives of real people – and it would be crucial to support such initiatives.”
The office has worked with BloemShelter, VermiVillage, GAP Equip, National Hospital and as part of the programmes of 2022 also with Lighuis, Talita Cumi, ROC Kids and the Universitas Neighborhood association. “We are also very fortunate to have,
Shanen Emam, Miss Free State 2023 as one of our students that are involved with our programmes,” added Terblanche.
One of the students involved is Prince Sijane, Bloemfontein Campus Student Representative Council member responsible for Civic and Social Responsibility when asked why student participation is important, he said, “By actively participating in
initiatives that address social issues or promote community well-being, students become more aware of the challenges faced by society.”
Tereblanche said: “The produce of these gardens addresses hunger and malnutrition amongst students on campus. KovsieACT also facilitates an eco-vehicle project during which student teams learn how to build electric vehicles powered by solar charging
stations. This project is aimed at developing skills appropriate to the 4th Industrial Revolution and sustainable resources development including clean and green energy.”
Nguni project flourishes
2008-08-28
 |
|
The Board of Trustees of the Northern Cape IDC Nguni Cattle Development Project recently held a meeting on the Main Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein. The UFS, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Department of Agriculture and Land Reform in the Northern Cape are involved with this project, which aims to develop first-time farmers into Nguni stud farmers. The project started in June 2006 and to date 11 groups of farmers have been provided with cattle and seven groups will soon be receiving their cattle. These new farmers are spread across the vast expanse of the Northern Cape - from the Botswana border in the north to Noupoort in the south. Because of its success, funding for the project has also increased dramatically. This money is used for a health programme for the cattle, to buy registered pregnant Nguni heifers and bulls and to provide some limited infrastructure on the farms. The Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences at the UFS is involved with the training of the farmers. At the meeting of the Board of Trustees were, from the left: Ms Jacqui Maisela, Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and Chief Director: Agricultural Development Services of the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture and Land Reform, Prof. Herman van Schalkwyk, Dean: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the UFS, and Mr Tommy Mohajane, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.
Foto: Lacea Loader
|