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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.”
Board of Directors of the International Institute for Development and Ethics
2006-03-17
During the recent meeting of the Board of Directors of the International Institute for Development and Ethics (IIDE), office bearers were elected and approval was granted for its conversion into a Section 21 Company. The IIDE specialises in the studying and research of general questions of developmental theory and practices and provides services and support in education, strategic planning, policy formulation, advocacy and capacity building of development agencies. The office of the IIDE in Africa is situated on the Main Campus of the UFS in Bloemfontein. The UFS is a funder of the IIDE together with the Paul Foundation and private sponsors from the Netherlands.
The IIDE in Africa's Board of Directors are from the left Mr Willem Ellis (newly elected executive officer of the IIDE) and Prof Annette Combrink (Deputy Chairperson of the IIDE in Africa and Rector of the North West University's campus in Potchefstroom). At the back from the left are Prof Lucius Botes (Director: Centre for Development Support at the UFS), Rev Kiepie Jaftha (Chairperson of the IIDE in Africa and Chief Director: Community Service at the UFS), Prof Sytse Strijbos (IIDE Europe and affiliated to the University of Amsterdam), Dr Amon Kasambala (Director: Focus on the Family, Africa) and Rev Tshililo Liphadzi (Reformed Church Chiawelo in Soweto).
Photo: Lacea Loader