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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

UFS honours many during Autumn diploma and graduation ceremony

2007-04-16

The University of the Free State (UFS) will award 797 diplomas and 2 633 degrees from 23-26 April 2006 during this year’s autumn diploma and graduation ceremony. Students from the Main Campus and Vista Campus will take part in the ceremony.

Altogether 32 doctorates and two honorary doctorates will be awarded. The honorary doctorandi are Prof. Barend Johannes (Bannie) Britz and author Mr Khotso Pieter David Maphalla.

On 26 April 2007 Prof. Britz will be honoured for his contribution to architecture when the degree D.Arch. (h.c.) will be awarded to him.

Mr Maphalla will be honoured for his contribution to the development of the Sesotho language and culture. He will receive the degree Ph.D. (h.c.) on 12 May 2007 during the graduation ceremony of the Qwaqwa Campus.

On 23 April 2007 at 08:30 altogether 497 diplomas will be awarded in the upgrading programmes of the School of Education in the Faculty of The Humanities, namely A.C.E, N.P.D.E. and C.E. At 14:30 on the same day 300 diplomas will be awarded to students from all the faculties.

On 24 April 2007 at 08:30 altogether 442 degrees and three doctorates will be awarded in the School of Education and at 14:30, 461 degrees and four doctorates will be awarded in the Faculty of The Humanities, excluding the School of Education.

On 25 April 2007 at 08:30 altogether 296 degrees and one doctorate will be awarded to students in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. This includes students in B.Acc., B.Admin., B.Pub., related honours degrees and all masters and doctors degrees. At 14:30 on the same day degrees will be awarded to 482 students from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, excluding students in B.Acc., B.Admin., B.Pub., related honours degrees and all masters and doctors degrees.

On 26 April 2007 at 08:30 altogether 595 degrees, 19 doctorates and one honorary doctorate will be awarded in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. At 14:30 on the same day 357 degrees and five doctorates will be awarded to students in the Faculties of Health Sciences, Law and Theology.

Both the diploma and degree ceremonies will be held in the Callie Human Centre on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.

Media release

Issued by: Lacea Loader

Assistant Director: Media Liaison

Tel: 051 401 2584

Cell: 083 645 2454

E-mail: loaderl@ufs.ac.za
16 April 2007

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