Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
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

Dean appointed as chairperson of a national education forum
2012-01-31

 
Prof. Dennis Francis, Dean of our Faculty of Education discusses his responsibilities as chairperson for the Education Deans Forum with ms. Jana van Wyk form HESA.
Photo: Renè-Jean van der Berg

Prof. Dennis Francis, our Dean of Education and a proud Kovsie, was recently appointed as the Chairperson for the Education Deans Forum (EDF) of South Africa.

The EDF is a national forum established under the auspices of Higher Education South Africa (HESA), to share experience, expertise and concerns related to the responsibilities of faculties of education.

The purpose of the forum is to promote the interests of education in South Africa by providing the opportunity for deans to discuss matters of concern to them and their faculties in the fulfilment of their responsibilities for teacher education and the disciplined study of education.

Faculties of Education at public higher education institutions in South Africa carry two distinct, but linked responsibilities.

One is to foster independent inquiry (research) in the broad field of education. The other is the education of professional teachers (primarily for the schooling and FET colleges system), but also for professional teachers in other sites. The education of teachers includes both initial and continuing professional education.

The forum meets four times a year.

Prof. Francis said: “Faculties of education carry a special responsibility for the future of education in South Africa. The EDF will continue to promote the interests of education in South Africa by providing the opportunity for Education Deans to discuss matters of concern to them and their Faculties in the fullfilment of their responsibilities for teacher education and the disciplined study of education.”

 

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept