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#YouthMonth: Celebrating youth empowerment (Sanchay Kalicharan)

21 June 2023 | Story Sanchay Kalicharan | Photo Supplied

The University of the Free State (UFS) is celebrating Youth Month by showcasing the positive influence of the institution on career development. As part of this initiative, we are sharing the stories of UFS alumni who are now working at the university.

Sanchay Kalicharan, ETDP SETA Intern at DiMTEC, shares his UFS journey:

Q: Year of graduation from the UFS:

A: I graduated from the UFS Bloemfontein Campus in 2022.

Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS:

A: I obtained my Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Management through the Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC) at the UFS.

Q: Date of joining the UFS as a staff member:

A: In August 2022, I embarked on a new journey as a staff member at the UFS. From the outset, the UFS provided a nurturing and challenging environment that fostered both personal and professional growth. As an intern, I was immersed in a diverse range of tasks and responsibilities that contributed significantly to my understanding of my chosen field.

The experience has been highly rewarding, equipping me with valuable insights and practical skills, while offering an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the university's community. The camaraderie and support of my colleagues made for a dynamic work culture that drove excellence and innovation. Overall, joining the UFS marked a significant step on my career path.

Q: Initial job title and current job title:

A: In August 2022, I embarked on an enriching journey with the UFS as a PYEI intern at DiMTEC. Over the course of six months, I was deeply immersed in a variety of tasks, honing my skills, and gaining valuable insights into disaster management.

As my initial internship drew to a close in January 2023, a new chapter began. I transitioned into the role of an ETDP SETA intern with DiMTEC. From February 2023 till now, I have been extending my understanding and practical knowledge of the field. Each day brings a new learning opportunity, reinforcing the theoretical concepts I have studied with real-world applications. These successive roles at the UFS have played an integral part in shaping my professional career.

Q: How did the UFS prepare you for the professional world?

A: The UFS prepared me for the professional world in numerous ways. The internships I undertook at DiMTEC provided me with a robust platform to acquire practical skills and insights that are highly valuable in the professional world.

During my time as a PYEI intern, I was exposed to various facets of disaster management. This hands-on experience, paired with guidance from seasoned professionals, allowed me to delve into the complexities of the field and build my competency. Transitioning into the role of an ETDP SETA intern, I was able to further develop my understanding and skills in the disaster management field. The UFS provided continuous opportunities for learning and development, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world experiences.

In addition to the technical skills, the UFS also fostered the growth of soft skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership, which are paramount in the professional world. Through collaborations, projects, and day-to-day interactions, I learned how to work effectively with diverse individuals, navigate challenges, and lead initiatives. This holistic training at the UFS has equipped me with the tools and confidence to navigate the professional landscape.

Q: What are your thoughts on transitioning from a UFS alumnus to a staff member?

A: Transitioning from a UFS alumnus to a staff member has been an enriching and rewarding journey. As a student, the university provided an excellent foundation of academic knowledge and practical skills. As a staff member, I have had the opportunity to apply and extend this knowledge, further deepening my understanding of my chosen field.

This transition has offered a different perspective on the workings of the institution. While my focus as a student was primarily on learning and personal development, as a staff member I am now contributing to the university's operations and its mission. This has given me a greater appreciation for the efforts that go into running such an institution, and the responsibilities that come with my role.

Being a part of the UFS staff also gives me a unique opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to me during my student years. It is a chance to contribute to the academic and personal growth of current and future students, just as my teachers and mentors did for me. Overall, the transition has been a fulfilling experience and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in my role at the UFS.

Q: Any additional comments about your experience?

A: Throughout my journey at the UFS, both as an alumnus and as a staff member, I have found the environment to be nurturing and inspiring. Each role has brought new challenges and opportunities that have fostered my personal and professional growth.

The transition from being a student to joining the staff was seamless, largely due to the supportive community and culture of the UFS. I have been fortunate to collaborate with and learn from a diverse and talented group of professionals who are deeply committed to their work and the university's mission.

One significant aspect of my experience has been the real-world impact of the work we do at DiMTEC. It is fulfilling to know that our efforts contribute to the broader goal of enhancing disaster management strategies and practices.

Lastly, I greatly appreciate the continuous learning opportunities provided by the UFS. Whether it is through formal training, learning from colleagues, or tackling challenging projects, there is always an opportunity to learn and grow. This commitment to continuous learning is something I value deeply, and it fuels my passion for my work at the UFS.

News Archive

UFS Winter Graduation Ceremony

2012-06-18

UFS awards record number of master’s degrees and doctorates

The University of the Free State (UFS) celebrated an increase in postgraduate successes with a record number of master’s degrees and doctorates that were awarded during the winter graduation ceremony at the Bloemfontein campus on Thursday 14 June 2012.

A total of 481 master’s degrees and 82 doctorates were awarded in two ceremonies in the Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus. This is the most postgraduate qualifications to be awarded at a single graduation ceremony.

DiMTEC has reason to celebrate

Dr Andries Jordaan (second from right) with some of the people who received their master's degrees. From the left are Kehinde Balogun, the couple Olive Chisola-Darris en Clement West Darris, and the couple Everson Ndlovu en Patience Sibongile Ndlovu.
Photo: Leatitia Pienaar
18 June 2012

DiMTEC had reason to celebrate at the winter graduation ceremony. The Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa delivered a healthy crop of 32 master’s degrees and one doctorate.

This was the most master’s degrees that the centre has been awarded at one opportunity. The doctorate, however, was not at DiMTEC – Andries Jordaan, the director of the centre, obtained his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economy.

It was also the first time that two couples received their master’s degrees at the centre at the same time.

Speaking at the event, Dr Jordaan said former students of the centre were using their expertise worldwide. Some of them are in senior positions at the United Nations, in African countries, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. DiMTEC’s students hail from 17 African countries, including French-speaking countries.

“I am proud that we have a footprint right across Africa,” he said.

Three travel all the way from Europe for their MBAs

Smiles on an important day. From the left are: Kasina Baker, Friederike Hackelberg, and Johanna Kössler and her parents and sister.
Photo: Stephen Collett
18 June 2012

No distance, time or money could prevent three MBA graduates from Europe from attending the winter graduation ceremony in Bloemfontein. Two of them were exchange students who were so captivated by the university and the country that they undertook their MBA studies at the Business School.

Friederike Hackelberg of Bremen, Germany, was an exchange student in 2008 and extended her stay to do an MBA. Johanna Kössler of Bolzano, Italy, was also an exchange student who succumbed to the charms of the UFS and South Africa. She brought her parents, George and Nannie, and her sister, Magdalena, with her to attend the graduation ceremony.

Kasina Baker of Warsaw, Poland, began her studies while her husband was working in Kenya. She wanted to study at a quality institution and thus chose the UFS's Business School.

Jessica gets three prestigious medals

Jessica Potgieter (right) was the first student in almost three decades to receive three prestigious medals at the Winter Graduation Ceremony. She received the Dean's medal as best Master's student in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, the Senate Medal as best Master's student at the university and the Award for Scientific Achievement by the South African Association for the Advancement of Science. She is seen here with her mother, Mrs Ilse van Rhyn, and Dr Khotso Mokhele, Chancellor.
Photo: Johan Roux
18 June 2012

Three daughters, three degrees for proud Kovsie mom

Liezel Alsemgeest and Adri Kotzé.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs
18 June 2012

Adri Kotzé, Faculty Manager in the Faculty of Law, is a very proud parent. In the course of one year, all three her daughters will receive degrees from the University of the Free State (UFS). First in line is the eldest, who received her Ph.D. in Business Management at the Winter Graduation Ceremony.

Liezel is a lecturer in the Department of Business Management at the UFS, where she lectures, publishes and hopes to further her research in finance. “I enjoy working at the university because you have the freedom to do your own thing and focus on whatever you like,” she says.

The title of Liezel’s thesis is Customers’ perception of business units within an agricultural business in South Africa. Her focus is on the subjects of customer satisfaction and financial management, with a specific focus on the management of agricultural businesses.

Middle sister Corné will be graduating with a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in December, while the youngest, Adéle, will receive her B.A. in Media Studies and Journalism at the Autumn Graduation Ceremony in 2013.

“I am very proud of all three my daughters,” says Adri.

Sasolburg minister receives Dean's Medal for best master's degree in Theology

Rev. Frans Redelinghuys.
18 June 2012

Rev. Frans Redelinghuys of the Reformed Church in Sasolburg received his master’s degree in Theology at the University of the Free State’s Winter Graduation Ceremony. Rev. Redelinghuys was also awarded the Dean’s Medal as the best master’s degree student in the Faculty of Theology.

The focus of his dissertation is Spirituality. “My lecturers are all people who practice what they preach and they have shared their knowledge with me.,” he says.

“My studies also contributed to my personal development,” says Rev. Redelinghuys.

Student from the Netherlands receives degree at UFS Winter Graduation Ceremony

Deborah Van den Bosch-Heij.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs
18 June 2012

Deborah Van den Bosch-Heij from the Netherlands was awarded a Ph.D. at the Winter Graduation Ceremony by the Faculty of Theology of the University of the Free State (UFS). Her thesis, Spirit and healing in Africa: A reformed pneumatological perspective, is an interdisciplinary investigation of the relationship between the Holy Spirit and healing in Southern Africa. The research addresses the need for a reviewed and contextually reformed approached to healing.

Deborah started her career as a minister at the Valkenburg Congregation of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands in 2001. She was appointed by the missionary department of her church to lecture at the Justo Mwale Theological University College in Lusaka, Zambia in 2005. It was here that she decided on the topic of her thesis. Prof. Rian Venter from the Department of Systematic Theology at the UFS, who is also involved at the Justo Mwale College, is Deborah’s promoter and assisted her in her studies whilst she was in the Netherlands. It was also Prof. Venter who made Deborah aware of the importance of interdisciplinary research.

Well-known judge's granddaughter receives degree

Judge Joos Hefer and Annelie de Man.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

Annelie de Man, a law researcher at the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein received her master’s degree at the Winter Graduation Ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS). She is Judge Joos Hefer’s granddaughter. Annelie was also awarded the Dean’s Medal as the best master’s degree student in the Faculty of Law.

“Today is one of the biggest highlights in my career,” says Annelie, who received exposure to the field of law from a young age.

In September, she will be leaving for Italy to study for a master’s degree in European Human Rights at the European Inter University.

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