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09 March 2023 | Story Lunga Luthuli | Photo Lunga Luthuli
Volunteer students participating in a two-day training by KovsieACT to learn fundamental principles of gardening, including soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilising, and pest management.

To ensure food security for students, KovsieACT – in collaboration with the Department of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems – held training sessions for approximately 150 student volunteers at the University of the Free State (UFS) community gardens on the Bloemfontein Campus. 

The UFS project consists of two large food tunnels, which provide an educational intervention that addresses food insecurity on campus, and by extension, food insecurity challenges students experience in their hometowns, at home, and in their villages.

Karen Scheepers, Assistant Director: Student Life, said: “The purpose of this training is to equip students with the necessary skills to identify or recognise the need for and importance of planting and taking care of vegetables. Participating students also learned the fundamental principles of gardening, including soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilising, and pest management.”

During the training held on 8 and 9 March 2023, students were also trained to choose the right seeds and to start their own seed germination project. “The aim is to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to grow and maintain a thriving vegetable garden,” added Scheepers.

The training was conducted by experienced professionals from the department, with students also getting an opportunity to ask questions and interact with fellow students who share their passion for gardening.

Scheepers said: “This training is a great opportunity for students to learn new skills, make new friends, and connect with the community. It will also help them to lead a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

The training is an extension of the institution’s No Student Hungry Programme (NSH), which continues to ensure that hundreds of students are supported with food parcels, including vegetables and non-perishable items. The NSH programme provides food to insecure students through modest food allowances and daily access to one balanced meal.

News Archive

Well known US and international law scholar honoured
2014-09-22

 

Prof Ralph Mawdsley
Photo: Stephen Collett

On 11 September 2014 the Faculty of Law inaugurated Prof Ralph Mawdsley as extraordinary professor. Prof Mawdsley is from the Cleveland-Marshall School of Law at the Cleveland State University in Ohio. He delivered his inaugural lecture titled ‘Diversity, Affirmative Action and Higher Education: Searching for Clarity in Federal Court Decisions’.

In his lecture Prof Mawdsley traced the complex road the US has travelled since the seminal judgment in Brown v Board of Education and the various differing views on the interpretation of compelling interests – with particular reference to race and diversity in the context of university admission policies.

In her introductory address, Prof Caroline Nicholson, Dean of the Faculty of Law, referred to Prof Mawdsley’s phenomenal resume of countless publications, national and international awards and numerous citations in court opinions, appellate briefs and law treatises. The honour extended to Prof Mawdsley coincides with the continuous drive by the UFS to establish a reputable international profile. During his visit, Prof Mawdsley consulted with various UFS staff members with regard to mutually interesting research matters.

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