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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.

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First-years excited about new life at university
2017-01-25

Description:Residences welcome class of 2017  Tags: Residences welcome class of 2017  longdesc=

First-years moved into residences at the
Bloemfontein Campus of the University of
the Free State on 20 and 21 January 2017.
Photo: Rulanzen Martin

The Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State was abuzz with excitement as first-year students arrived at their new homes and residences, brimming with enthusiasm at starting a new chapter in building towards a professional career.

Although there were some mixed emotions about leaving the nest, most students were excited about the times ahead as they moved into their residences on 20 and 21 January 2017.

Student life and building a career

“I am looking forward to a new adventure, to student life and living at university. Also to build my future here,” said Veruska van Schalkwyk, as her parents, who had driven all the way from Springbok in Northern Cape, helped her unpack at Harmony residence.

Veruska, who will be studying Nursing, said she loved TV programmes like Grey's Anatomy. “Nursing has always been my passion and something I loved. I have always loved helping people.”

University provides a prosperous future

For Okuhle Gubevu, who will also be a first-year in Harmony, the UFS is the ideal place to further her career. “Out of all the research I have done, the University of the Free State is the one university that has a prosperous future for me in my ventures to become an accountant,” she said. “Because of that and because it is not too far from home, I decided on the UFS.”

Mopeli Lebohang will be staying in Outeniqua residence and is keen to work hard. “I heard the course I am studying, B Accounting, is the third toughest course at the university,” he said. “I am excited, because I like challenges.”

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