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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.”
2014 Intravarsity – with a twist
2014-08-12
The battle of the campuses took place over the weekend of 8–10 August 2014 as our Bloemfontein Campus hosted our Qwaqwa counterparts for the 2014 Intravarsity.
This year the event provided some exhilarating twists to the usual competition. With the theme, ‘Made at Kovsies’, the programme made room for some new and innovative activities. The new setup may even become the format for future intra- and intervarsity events at Kovsies.
For those courageous of heart and daring of body, Vishuis offered the Gladiator games. This resulted in loads of competitive fun and entertainment. On a less physical level, this year also introduced the Kovsie Gaming League. The event presented an electronic sports tournament in which students could battle it out in a digital gaming environment.
The Ultimate Frisbee tournament guaranteed a host of awkward jumps, long stretches and hearts pumping furiously. In celebration of Women’s month, a Women’s Day Fun Run was also incorporated into the weekend.
It was not a case of out with the old, in with the new, though. The usual codes like soccer, volleyball, basketball, chess and table tennis still occupied their rightful places on the programme. But this time round, cultural activities also received a place in the limelight.
A Kovsie United Music Festival provided a safe social environment for students to enjoy themselves in – and scores of feet trampled into the Rag Farm . The two campuses also engaged in a healthy clash of words during the debating event.
Most will agree, though, that the best was kept for last. The Kovsie Sêr finals on Saturday night swept each and every one up in a wave of music and cheer. The Qwaqwa sêr group, Unspoken, made their mark during the evening as they delivered an inspired guest performance.
The winners of the various events at the 2014 Intravarsity were:
- Basketball – East College
- Ultimate Frisbee – East College
- Table Tennis – North College
- Gladiators – South College (Ladies) and West College (Men)
- Winners of Song – Central College
- Winners of War Cry – Central College
- Volleyball – South College (Men) and East College (Ladies)
- Chess – West College and Qwaqwa
- Soccer – South College (Men) and North College (Ladies)
- Sêr – Veritas (Men) and Soetdoring (Ladies)