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Fostering a culture of reading through community partnership

28 May 2024 | Story Jacky Tshokwe | Photo supplied

Reading Culture — The University of the Free State Faculty of Humanities and the Library Information Services proudly established a brand-new school library at Kagisano Combined School on 14 May 2024.

In a bid to cultivate a culture of reading within the community and bolster the University of the Free State's (UFS) Vision 130, the Faculty of The Humanities has embarked on a transformative journey of collaboration with the Library Information Services (LIS). This partnership symbolises a commitment to not only academic excellence, but also social responsibility, aiming to make a tangible difference in the lives of those within our community.

On 14 May, the Dean’s office – in synergy with LIS and the Department of Plant Sciences – undertook a meaningful venture at Kagisano Combined School in Ikgomotseng to establish a school library, making it an engaging and welcoming space for learners.

Led by Dr Dimitri Veldkornet and supported by four dedicated PhD candidates, the Department of Plant Sciences has made a remarkable impact by enhancing the library's surroundings with indigenous flowers. Beyond mere beautification, this initiative also served as an educational opportunity, as five learners from the school were trained to care for these plants, fostering a sense of ownership and environmental stewardship.

Colleagues from LIS meticulously and simultaneously organised the library space, ensuring that reading materials were properly catalogued and shelved for easy access. In addition, LIS generously donated furniture, including shelves, tables, and chairs, to create an inviting environment conducive to learning and exploration.

The collaborative effort extended beyond academic circles, as the community of Ikgomotseng and Letsatsi Trust demonstrated remarkable hospitality by combining resources to provide refreshments for UFS colleagues and community members involved in the initiative. This gesture exemplifies the power of collective action and highlights the interconnectedness between the university and its surrounding communities.

By revitalising the school library and fostering a culture of reading, this partnership exemplifies the core values of social responsibility and community engagement espoused by the UFS. Moreover, it underscores the university's commitment to Vision 130, which envisions a future where education transcends the confines of academia to positively impact society at large.

As we continue to forge ahead, let us remember that true progress is measured not only by academic achievements, but also by the meaningful contributions we make to the communities we serve. Together, through collaboration and compassion, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

News Archive

Moshoeshoe's legacy lives on in university's project: City Press - 2 May 2004

2004-10-14

CITY PRESS 2 MAY 2004 P8

NEWS

JOHANNESBURG FINAL

Moshoeshoe's legacy lives on in university's project

MATEFU MOKOENA

DRUMS were beaten and the sounds of traditional songs reverberated through corridors of the University of the Free State (UFS) as Basotho students gathered at the campus over the weekend to launch a project honouring their late great king, Moshoeshoe.

The launch was organised by the Lesotho Students Association and UFS management and was blessed by King Letsie III of Lesotho.

According to UFS rector and vicechancellor, Professor Frederick Fourie, the aim of the project is to make the legacy of Moshoeshoe a living part of the university.

He said the Moshoeshoe project will include a television documentary on his life as well as an anthology of creative writings, including prose and poetry, about him.

A television documentary is already being filmed and will be screened during an international conference at UFS in October.

Fourie said the university, as part of the project, is looking at the possibility of starting an annual Moshoeshoe memorial lecture that will focus on African leadership, nationbuilding and reconciliation.

He said the university would introduce a PhD-level research course into the life and legacy of Moshoeshoe.

The university management has also taken a decision to erect a statue of Moshoeshoe on the campus.

Fourie said the project was launched after the UFS delegation, led by him, met Letsie III.

"He wanted us to ensure the legacy of Moshoeshoe is honoured and treated with the respect he deserves."

His legacy "must live on -- not only for the Basotho, but for all South Africans, black and white, and for the entire African continent", he said.

"Living out such a legacy is indeed a fitting contribution to the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad) and to the maturing democracy that is being built here in South Africa," said Fourie.

He emphasised Moshoeshoe was and remains a model of African leadership.

Fourie said Moshoeshoe's diplomacy and commitment to peace put him on a par with former president Nelson Mandela as a statesman.

It is Fourie's dream that, through this project, the UFS will be able to give real meaning to words such as reconciliation, respect for the diversity of languages and cultures and the unity that is needed to build a democratic nation.

The Lesotho Students Association secretary, Sofonea Shale, said for an institution like the UFS to honour Moshoeshoe demonstrates that he was a great leader. "For Basotho students, the project is very significant as it clearly defines who we are and what we stand for.

"We believe the research into the legacy of our great king Moshoeshoe will open doors for more research into the life of Basotho in general.

"Africa as a whole can learn from his leadership style," he said.

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