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01 June 2023
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Story Nicole Bongo
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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.”
CED launches Family Science programme
2009-03-31
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The Centre for Education Development (CED) at the University of the Free State recently launched a programme that will see 110 students from the Faculty of Education being trained in Family Science. These students will be empowered to assist parents and educators, through community workshops, in achieving further development of learners in the sciences, mathematics, technology and related issues in everyday life through the Family Science programmes that form part of the CED’s Science-For-The-Future project.
They will acquire skills to raise science literacy levels among young children by making use of everyday experiences in and around the home. Furthermore, they will be able to develop learning and teaching materials that are suitable and affordable for use in community workshops, as well as in the formal classroom situation. They will also learn to apply constructivist and hands-on methodology in the teaching of science for young children with different learning styles. As future teachers, they will then be in the privileged position to lay a firm foundation for their learners in the subject area of Natural Sciences, while at the same time reaching out to the community by presenting Family Science workshops that will qualify them for certificates. This project is sponsored by ABSA.
At the launch were, front from the left: Ms Mpai Motloli (Student Educator), Ms Elizna Prinsloo (Project Co-ordinator: CED) and Ms Zine Mogorosi (Regional Manager: ABSA Corporate Social Investment). Back: Mr Ledumile Monyake (Student Educator), Ms Lorraine Botha (Facilitator: CED), Prof Jack van der Linde (Director: CED) and Prof Gawie du Toit (Head of Department: Curriculum Studies).
Photo: Stephen Collett |