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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.”
A much-needed "lift" for Psychology students and staff with disabilities
2010-06-01
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Pictured are: Mr Riekie Vickers (master's student in Psychology) and Ms Hetsie Veitch (Coordinator and Head: Unit for Students with Disabilities).
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe |
The Department of Psychology at the University of the Free State (UFS) has officially opened the new elevator installed in the Psychology Building as part of the UFS’s plan of increasing accessibility to its buildings for students and staff with disabilities. The department has approximately 40 undergraduate and postgraduate students with physical disabilities.
“Besides offices, there are classrooms and laboratories in the Psychology Building which were never accessible to these students. To train them they need access to these venues. Now the installation of this elevator makes this possible,” said Prof. Karel Esterhuyse, associate professor in the department.
Some of the latest developments on the Main Campus in this regard include:
- A new elevator for the West Block which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
- New ramps to both entrances of the Winkie Direko Building were completed and the paving on the sidewalks adjusted to make access to the building easy.
- During the June/July holidays the classrooms and bathrooms in the Genmin Lectorium will be upgraded to improve accessibility for students and staff with disabilities.
- There are 22 new parking spaces for students and staff with disabilities all over the campus.
Media Release
Issued by: Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt@ufs.ac.za
1 June 2010