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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.”
Community project teaches students psychology behind training
2009-05-13
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Aaron Li and Marisa Smit busy teaching pre-school children how to bake biscuits at the Welpies Pre-primary School of Free State Care in Action in Bloemfontein.
Photo: Supplied |
A community project of the third-year industrial psychology students at the University of the Free State (UFS) is helping students to gain a better understanding of the psychology behind training so as to facilitate a higher success rate with regard to their programme. Since 2004 the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and the Community Service Learning Office at the UFS have been involved in a very unique community project. The third-year industrial psychology students are required to conduct their own needs analysis to determine the needs of the community allocated to them, after which they must address this need in a viable, sustainable manner. Key to this project is training and development that often involve the unemployed and entrepreneurs. Some training is also focused on smaller children. The 340 students involved in the project this year were responsible for presenting projects at various communities in Mangaung, amongst others: The Life Cycle of a Butterfly; Small-Group Facilitation; Bake and Decorate a Cookie; Sustainable Chicken Project; How to use the Library; Fire Prevention; Peer Pressure; Team Development; Preparation for Interviews and Writing of CVs; and Early Childhood Development.