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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

Kovsie students’ artworks selected for Absa L’Atelier Awards 2013
2013-03-24

 

Learners from Ferrum High School in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, admiring the artworks at the Centenary gallery.
Photo: Linda Fekisi
24 March 2013

Four artworks by Kovsie students have been selected for the 2013 Absa L’Atelier Awards. The artworks will form part of the national Absa L’Atelier exhibition later this year, which will be held at the Absa Gallery in Johannesburg.

Mandi Bezuidenhout, Louis Kruger and Johannes Botma, all master’s students in Fine Arts, have been selected as finalists for the central region of the prestigious competition.Two artworks of Louis, and one each of Mandi and Johannes, have been selected for the awards. Pauline Gutter, a former Kovsie student, has also been selected as finalist for the central region.

The Absa L’Atelier is South Africa’s most prestigious art competition and is held annually for artists between the ages of 21 and 35. This award not only ensures recognition for South Africa’s emerging artists, but also affords them the opportunity to develop their talents abroad. The winner of last year’s competition, Elrie Joubert, graduated with a master’s in Fine Arts from the UFS in 2010.

Four prizes are available in 2013’s competition. The first prize consists of R125 000 and a residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. An Apersand Foundation Residency in New York City and a Sylt Foundation Residency on the Island of Sylt, Germany, will be granted through two merit awards. The most promising artist will receive the Gerard Sekoto Award of R80 000, as well as a residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris.

The Absa L’Atelier art competition is run in conjunction with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA).

An exhibition of artworks from the central region is currently on display at the Centenary Gallery, upstairs in the Centenary Complex, until 28 March 2013. The gallery will be open on 20, 25, 26, 27, and 28 March from 10:00 to 15:00.


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