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Social Work student participates in International Social Work Course in Germany

25 October 2023 | Story Rorisang Ramorena | Photo Supplied

Each year, the University of the Free State (UFS) selects exceptional students to participate in international credit exchange programmes, meticulously crafted through collaborative partnerships with esteemed universities worldwide. The UFS exchange programme, jointly administered by the Office for International Affairs (OIA) and various academic faculties, aligns with the university’s Vision 130 strategy. This initiative is dedicated to enhancing the designated graduate attributes, placing a particular emphasis on intercultural and global competencies.

In an exciting development, the Department of Social Work nominated one of the senior students, Tiisetso Mokaeane, for a semester-long exchange programme at the Fulda University of Applied Sciences (Fulda), in Germany. During this remarkable journey, Mokaeane will participate in the International Course in Social Work, a unique experience that involves engaging in fieldwork, a diversity of activities, and active participation in projects within social work institutions. The focus will be on community work, youth work, and street work, often in vibrant intercultural settings. International students like Mokaeane will receive unwavering support and invaluable guidance from seasoned tutors and experienced social workers.

Mokaeane is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Social Work at the UFS and is poised to gain a deeper understanding of social work in Germany, particularly the intricacies of social welfare systems that are in place. He expressed his excitement by saying, “This opportunity will give me a valuable perspective on the field of social work and allow me to make a meaningful contribution to society.”

About the opportunity

This programme is part of an ongoing partnership between the UFS and various departments at Fulda University, including the Departments of Social Work, the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and the Department of Business. As part of this commitment, Fulda entitles UFS students participating in the programme with a full scholarship. The scholarship comprehensively covers the students' logistical expenses and living allowances. The OIA, in collaboration with other internal stakeholders such as the Student Counselling Service, provides all the nominated students with the necessary pre-departure support and continuous support throughout their international experience.

Kagiso Ngake, Senior Officer in the OIA under the portfolio of Partnerships: Collaborative Degrees and Outgoing Mobility, underscores the numerous benefits for students engaging in these programmes. “The exchanges offer a multitude of advantages, from fostering cultural understanding to expanding educational horizons. Furthermore, the UFS internationalisation strategy provides each student with an international experience during their academic journey. This is achieved through curriculum internationalisation and various other dimensions such as COIL, virtual exchanges and co-curricular internationalisation activities conducted at home.”

For more information on student exchange opportunities contact Kekeletso Makau via email at MakauKB@ufs.ac.za.

News Archive

R40 million construction contract with black empowerment group starts at UFS

2006-09-04

During the ceremonial kick-off of the biggest construction project in the history of the UFS were from the left: Ms Vuyiwe Mkhupha (Manager of Sikeyi Construction), Prof Frederick Fourie (Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS) and Prof Steve Basson (Head of the UFS Department of Chemistry). Photo: (Gerhard Louw)

R40 million construction contract with black empowerment group starts at UFS

The biggest construction contract in the history of the University of the Free State (UFS) to the value of R40 million has started on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein. The contractors are Ströhfeldt Construction, in a joint venture with Sikeyi Construction, a black empowerment partner.

The contract comprises the extensive modernising, refurnishing and extension of the Chemistry Building. This is the highest amount the UFS has ever spent on the refurnishing of a building.

A number of initiatives have contributed to the fact that the UFS Department of Chemistry is one of the foremost chemistry departments in the country:

Expensive equipment and apparatus to the value of almost R20 million were acquired by the department the past year;
The basis of this is a strategic partnership with Sasol, the biggest research and development company in the country;
The purchase of the most advanced 600MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectro meter in Africa;
The purchase of a single crystal X-ray diffractometer; and
The purchase of a differential scanning calorie meter, used to test the effect of heat on chemicals. This apparatus comprises of the most advanced detectors in the world.

“Natural scientists need the necessary equipment, apparatus and laboratories to be able to exercise world-class science. Three years ago the UFS top management made a strategic decision to focus strongly on research and on our laboratories and lecture halls,“ said Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, during the launch of the Chemistry Building’s refurbishment.

“I regard this project as a symbol of our investment in science and the academy,“ said Prof Fourie.

Prof Fourie said that the UFS spent almost R100 million in the last 5 years to renovate the Main Campus. New buildings such as Thakaneng Bridge were built and other such as the Reitz Dining Hall was renovated and converted into the Centenary Complex. “These projects, together with the refurbishment of the Chemistry Building, also show how the UFS contributes to the development and growth of not only Bloemfontein, but also how we invest in the Free State,“ said Prof Fourie.

According to Ms Edma Pelzer, Director: Physical Planning and Special Projects at the UFS, the current building originally comprised of the Moerdyk Building built in 1949 and a newer wing built in 1966. This building became too small and obsolete and a new part is now being added to the eastern side.

According to Ms Pelzer a great deal of the project comprises the dramatic upgrading and modernising of laboratories, existing mechanical systems and the installation of new systems. “The nature of the work of staff and students demands sophisticated mechanical systems such as air conditioning, fume hoods, the provision of gas, etc and therefore these received specific attention. The research laboratories, lecture laboratories and office areas will also be separated for safety and greater efficiency,” said Ms Pelzer.

“Interesting design solutions for the complex needs of the department were found and I foresee that the building and its immediate environment will be an adornment to the Main Campus after its expected completion in 2008,” said Ms Pelzer.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
14 September 2006

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