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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

Student gives hope to childhood cancer patients

2015-10-16

Siphokuhle Jama believes that the underprivileged are also destined to reign.

The inaugural ‘Dance and Musical Childhood Cancer Fundraising Day’, held on Saturday 26 September 2015 at the Free State Childhood Cancer (CHOC) Foundation, was “a huge success,” according to Siphokuhle Jama, the organiser.

Siphokuhle is a second-year BSc Agricultural Economics student at the University of the Free State (UFS), who has devoted his life to bettering the lives of the less fortunate. The 21-year-old self-proclaimed motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and budding author was inspired by his humble beginnings to found the Destined to Reign Foundation, which champions various community initiatives in both his home town of Mtata and Bloemfontein.

To support the fight against childhood cancer, the young philanthropist took it upon himself to invite music and dance fanatics either to perform or to enjoy spectatorship for a good cause. The impressive support received from the UFS, Universitas Academic Hospital, and Central University of Technology (CUT), various artists, and the community has contributed towards ensuring that the inaugural fundraiser was a prelude to annual events to come.

Singers, dancers, and poets entertained the audience with vigour, making the day one of the most special for the young children, who spend their days and nights at the CHOC House, with little to do but undergo radiation and chemotherapy and await a discharge date. .

All proceeds went towards basic needs, such as food, toiletries, and clothing for the children residing at the House, which is located in the same suburb as our university. In addition to accommodating dozens of cancer patients and their mothers, the House also assists with the treatment and rehabilitation of children suffering from life-threatening blood disorders. Thus, the fundraiser served to promote awareness of these health conditions.

Siphokuhle’s passion for giving hope to the underprivileged was unveiled by a school community engagement project 14 years ago. He has never looked back.“It has always been in my heart to serve my community,” he said.

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