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Celebrating April graduations

08 April 2024 | Story VALENTINO NDABA | Photo SUPPLIED

UFS Graduation April 2024 — The University of the Free State celebrated autumn graduation season from 12-20 April 2024.

As the autumn season unfolded, the University of the Free State (UFS) eagerly anticipated the commencement of its graduation ceremonies, a time to celebrate the academic achievements of its esteemed students. The ceremonies, scheduled from 12-20 April 2024, honoured the accomplishments of the graduating class of 2023, across the Qwaqwa and Bloemfontein campuses.

Undergraduate and postgraduate achievements

The graduating class represented a diverse array of disciplines, showcasing the university’s commitment to fostering excellence across various fields. In total, 5 442 undergraduate qualifications and 2 345 postgraduate qualifications were conferred, reflecting the dedication and perseverance of both students and faculty members.

Honouring distinguished individuals

The graduation ceremonies also recognised the contributions of distinguished individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. Among them were Archbishop Thabo Makgoba and Prof Salim Abdool Karim who received honorary degrees from the UFS on 12 and 18 April 2024, respectively.

Archbishop Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town and President of the South African Council of Churches, was recognised for his outstanding contributions to theology, social justice, and education activism. Prof Karim, renowned for his groundbreaking research in AIDS and COVID-19, was honoured for his exceptional work in medical virology.

Nurturing excellence and social impact

The graduation ceremonies not only symbolised the culmination of academic journeys but also underscored the UFS Vision 130 commitment to academic excellence, societal impact, and the cultivation of future leaders. The university continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual landscape of South Africa and beyond.

As the graduating class of 2023 embarks on new endeavours, they carry with them the values instilled by their alma mater, poised to make meaningful contributions to society.

WATCH: April 2024 Graduation Ceremonies.

News Archive

Empowering teachers: Working with head, heart and hand

2011-06-14

Prof. JJE Messerschimdt (left) is the main supervisor and Dr KE Khabanyane the co-supervisor of this study within our Faculty of Education.

The implementation of Curriculum 2005 brought about new demands in the teaching and learning of languages. In teaching languages, it is expected of teachers to focus on the development of the basic language skills which are embedded in the first four outcomes, namely listening, speaking and reading which is coupled with viewing and writing.

Although the learning outcomes are developed as an integrated whole, each one needs special attention. According to the NCS, the third learning outcome namely "reading and viewing", is stated as follows: "The learner will be able to read and view for information and enjoyment, and respond critically to the aesthetic, cultural and emotional value in texts".

Julia Ramabenyane researches The facilitative role of Grade 1 teachers in the development of reading skills in Sesotho. Empowering teachers: Working with head, heart and hand, a workshop for Grade 1 teachers, was held on 27 and 28 May in the Winkie Direko Building on our Main Campus. The aim of the workshop was to create an opportunity for teachers to better understand their role as facilitators in the development of reading skills.

In addition to the facilitation of Mrs Ramabenyane, Prof. Hasina Ebrahim (lecturer at the School of Social Sciences and Language Education), grade 1 teachers from Lesedi and Karabelo Primary Schools, as well as the HOD of Foundation Phase and three grade 1 learners from Karabelo Primary School in Rocklands, participated in the activities.

This workshop, together with other reflective group sessions, formed part of the emancipatory action research of Julia Ramabenyane's Foundation Phase PhD studies. This PhD study is titled The facilitative role of grade 1 teachers in development of readings skills in Sesotho.

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