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UFS celebrates inclusion in the international book, Bridging Knowledge Cultures

21 February 2024 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo SUPPLIED

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

Kovsies well represented in Cheetah rugby team

2006-10-10

Champions support champions. Sport stars from the University of the Free State (UFS) today pledged their support to the Cheetah team with their participation this weekend in the Currie Cup final. From the left are: Boy Soke (SA Cross Country Champion), Nicolaas le Roux (captain of the Shimla rugby team), prof Frederick Fourie (Rector and Vice-Chancellor), Ben Rheeder (Shimla hooker) and Charlene Hertzog (Captain of the Protea team and the UFS first netball team).

Kovsies well represented in Cheetah rugby team

Altogether 10 current and former Kovsies will most likely be included in the Cheetah team of 22 players that will compete for a place in the team that will play against the Blue Bulls on Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein in the final game of the Currie Cup.

“The University of the Free State (UFS) is proud of its rugby players and sees this milestone as another example of our commitment to maintaining quality sports performances,” said Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.

Prof Fourie said the UFS will stand solidly behind the Cheetahs this weekend so that the Currie Cup can stay in the Free State.

“It is not every day that we can boast with such a high representation in a provincial team. Each of these players has proven himself to be a true sportsman and some of them are also Springbok rugby players. This makes the honour even greater for the UFS,” said Prof Fourie.

The current and former Kovsies are Ollie le Roux (captain and loose head prop), Wian du Preez (loose head prop), Richardt Strauss (hooker), Jannie du Plessis (tight head prop), Noël Oelschig (scrumhalf), Michael Claassens (scrumhalf), Meyer Bosman (flyhalf), JW Jonker (center, back line), Philip Burger (flyhalf/back) and Jaco du Toit (hooker).
“Last year we honored two former Kovsies for their contribution to the success of the Cheetah team. Mr Naka Drotské, team manager of the Cheetahs, was appointed as Kovsie of the Year and Mr Harold Verster, President of the Free State Rugby Union, received the Cum Laude Award,” said Prof Fourie.

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

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