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Bridging Knowledge Cultures
A group of academics from the University of the Free State (UFS) and the North-West University (NWU) contributed to a chapter in the book Bridging Knowledge Cultures in Rural Health Education, which was recently launched during an online event.

The Directorate of Community Engagement at the University of the Free State (UFS) celebrated the publication of a chapter in the book, Bridging Knowledge Cultures. This transformative book was edited by Walter Lepore, Budd Hall, and Rajesh Tandon, Unesco co-chairs of the Unesco Chair in Community Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education.

Chapter 10 of the book – ‘Bridging Knowledge Cultures in Rural Health Education’ – was contributed by a group of academics from the UFS and the North-West University (NWU). The UFS contributors included Dr Karen Venter, Head of Service-Learning in the Directorate of Community Engagement; Alfi Moolman, former coordinator in the same department; and Dr René Walter Botha, Coordinator for Community Based Education and Rural Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences. From the NWU, the contributors included Prof Lesley Wood, Extraordinary Professor in Community-Based Educational Research; Beatrix (Bibi) Bouwman, Director for Sustainability and Community Impact; and Prof Hendri Coetzee, Extraordinary Associate Professor in the North-West University’s COMPRES research unit.

Identify knowledge differences/gaps

According to Dr Venter, the study conducted in the Xhariep District was considered a unique context for an in-depth exploration of participants’ subjective experiences to identify knowledge differences/gaps, and recommendations to bridge them. She states, “The aim of the initiative was to improve health outcomes by establishing lifestyle groups to enable the sharing of health information among participants and thereby encourage sustainable, accountable lifestyle practices.” 

Three questions derived from the case study were discussed during the launch: Who has the right to create knowledge? Who decides if knowledge is valid? And who will have access to the knowledge?

Other case studies included in the book also explored the dynamics of equitable research partnerships, providing practical recommendations to overcome obstacles and forge effective collaboration between academia and diverse communities.

Embrace the richness of diverse perspectives

Dr Venter believes that the launch event inspired the next generation of researchers and professionals to embrace the richness of diverse perspectives and knowledge cultures.

To access the rest of the case studies, including those from Indonesia, Malaysia, and India, you can download the book here. Access the discussion on YouTube here.

Parallel to the book, a guide was launched: Bridging Knowledge Cultures: A Guide for Community Practitioners and Community Organisations. You can access a copy here.

News Archive

UFS exceeds record at spring graduation ceremony
2006-09-11

The University of the Free State (UFS) will award 1 048 degrees and diplomas to students from the Vista and Main campuses this year during the spring graduation ceremony.  This is 163 more degrees and diplomas than last year.  

Due to the increase in numbers, this year’s spring graduation ceremony will be held over two days.  In the past degrees and diplomas were awarded in one day.

Altogether, 606 degrees, 413 diplomas and 29 doctorates will be awarded.  The diploma ceremony will take place on Wednesday 13 September 2006 at 14:30 and the graduation ceremonies will take place on Thursday 14 September 2006 at 08:30 and 14:30.

On Thursday 14 September 2006 at 08:30, 176 degrees and 9 doctorates will be awarded in the Faculty of Humanities, 48 degrees and 1 doctorate in the Faculty of Health Sciences, 29 degrees and 2 doctorates in the Faculty of Law and 7 degrees in the Faculty of Theology.  

At 14:30 that same day 198 degrees and 1 doctorate will be awarded in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and 148 degrees and 16 doctorates in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Both ceremonies will be presented in the Callie Human Centre on the Main Campus.  

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

 

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