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01 June 2023 | Story Nicole Bongo | Photo Supplied
Student centered community engagement programmes
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.”

The Division of Student Affairs’ KovsieACT office is also in partnership with the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development) and the Faculty of Health Sciences (Department of Nutrition and Dietetics) to develop and maintain vegetable gardens.

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.”  

News Archive

UFS celebrates World Book and Copyright Day
2013-04-23

 

Celebrating World Book and Copyright Day were left: Betsy Eister (Director of the UFS Library and Information Services), Senovia Welman (librarian at the UFS Sasol Library) and Prof Charles Dumas (visiting senior professor in the Department: Drama and Theatre Arts).
Photo: 
Linda Fekisi
23 April 2013

 The UFS Library and Information Services (UFS LIS) joined the world of literature on 23 April 2013 in celebrating World Book and Copyright Day. Kovsie staff and students were treated to a display of literary works by South African and international authors in the Sasol Library on the Bloemfontein Campus.

The theme chosen for 2013 was, “In Books I Find …,” and the display featured pictures of members of the senior leadership with their favourite books. The theme is endorsed by the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA).

Marcus Maphile, Assistant Director of the UFS LIS, says the purpose of this day is to instill a culture of reading and to highlight important copyright issues. “Libraries regard books and reading as central to nation-building and as tools to stretch the imagination of young South Africans, in particular. This day aims to challenge young people to think outside the box about what can be found in books, beyond words and illustrations.”

Prof Charles Dumas, visiting senior professor in the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts, was the guest speaker at the event and read from Stephen Clingman’s book, titled Bram Fischer: Afrikaner Revolutionary, during his address.

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