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08 November 2024 | Story Jacky Tshokwe | Photo Supplied
Kingdom Vision Foundation 2024
The Kingdom Vision Foundation (KVF) management team took part in the annual Social Impact Innovation Awards organised by the SAB Foundation.

In September, the Kingdom Vision Foundation (KVF) management team took part in the annual Social Impact Innovation Awards, organised by the SAB Foundation. This competition included a three-day workshop, during which participants received mentorship on enhancing their business models to maximise sustainable impact. Participants also crafted a four-minute business pitch, which they delivered to a panel of independent judges from sectors such as business, health, education, and government. At the end of the workshop, winners were chosen based on the impact of their innovation, the strength of their business model, and the likelihood of future success.

On 10 October, the management team attended the Innovation Awards Ceremony, where KVF was honoured with the Development Award worth R700 000. In addition to the grant, KVF will participate in a 15-month business coaching and mentorship programme in 2025, through which the SAB Foundation’s coaching team will support them in expanding and scaling their impact across South Africa.

The funding will enhance both the Kovsie Health and Anchor of Hope eye clinics, which are collaborating with the University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Optometry to provide affordable eye care to thousands of students and community members. The project aims to improve the quality of education for Optometry students, helping them experience the positive change they can drive through social impact. KVF’s vision includes a future at Kovsie Health where every student’s visual needs are met, regardless of financial constraints, and a thriving Anchor of Hope clinic that brings the gift of sight and renewed hope to rural communities around Bloemfontein.

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Senior professor launches new book in London
2013-05-13

 

Alejandra Boni (left) is an associate professor at the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia in Spain and Melanie Walker is a Senior Research Professor and Director of the Centre for Higher Education and Capabilities Research (CHECaR) at UFS.
13 May 2013

Melanie Walker and Alejandra Boni (Eds.) were hosted by the Institute of Education at the University of London, in April to launch the publication of their new book, titled: Human Development and Capabilities: Re-imagining the university of the twenty-first century (Routlege).

In the face of reductionist and “thin” human capital approaches to higher education globally, the book imaginatively applies a theoretical framework to universities as institutions and social practices from human development and the capability approach. The book attempts to show how universities might advance equalities rather than necessarily widen them, and how they can contribute to a sustainable and democratic society.

Picking through the capability approach for human development, in relation to universities, this book highlights and explores three main ideas:

  • theoretical insights to advance thinking about human development and higher education
  • policy implications for the responsibilities and potential contributions of universities in a period of significant global change and
  • operationalising a New Imaginary

The book is available for purchase online and will be added to the library collection soon.

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