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28 October 2024
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Story Zingaphi Mdletshe
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Photo Supplied
Kovsie ACT volunteers undergo leadership and skills training, preparing them to engage in community service and develop sustainable solutions to societal challenges beyond university life.
The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Kovsie ACT office continues to foster a spirit of humanity among students through a leadership and skills development training initiative that is aimed at not only developing them as volunteers but also as conscientious individuals who understand the value of helping others.
“The leadership and skills development training is a platform that the ACT office utilises to ensure that volunteers are equipped with the necessary skills needed to fulfil their duties as Central ACT Committee members, thereby facilitating a smooth term,” said Teddy Sibiya, Senior Assistant Officer at Kovsie Support Services. “We aim to impart knowledge that will be beneficial during their term and beyond their involvement with the ACT office.”
Touching on how the training aligns with the broader goals of the Kovsie ACT Volunteer Programme for the term 2024/2025, Sibiya emphasised that sustainability has always been at the heart of Kovsie ACT and that their activities provide opportunities for students to engage in community service and participate in environmental initiatives to assist civil society organisations. The programme also encourages students to become active global citizens by addressing transnational issues such as food insecurity and socio-economic challenges.
“I am excited about the opportunity to be part of a movement that influences not just the lives of students but also reaches beyond the university, promoting innovative and sustainable solutions on a larger scale,” said Raylene Bussack, a Central ACT Committee volunteer. “My goal is to inspire and empower others to join us in this vital work to make a lasting difference together.”
In addition to leadership training, Kovsie ACT offers various programmes designed to enhance students' skills in areas such as communication, teamwork and project management. These skills are essential for their roles within Kovsie ACT and for their future careers. By participating in community service projects, students build valuable relationships and gain practical experience that will benefit them upon graduation. The initiative ultimately aims to create a culture of giving back among students while enriching their university experience.
World-famous action researcher shares knowledge with UFS
2010-03-03
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From Left: Prof. McNiff and Prof. Beylefeld at the workshop
Photo: Lize du Plessis |
Prof. Jean McNiff from the Department of Education at the York St. John University in the United Kingdom (UK) recently paid a highly successful visit to the Faculty of Education at the University of the Free State (UFS).
Prof. McNiff is a world-famous action researcher and has published nineteen books. She holds professorial positions at various universities across the world, including the position of Visiting Professor at the Ningxia Teachers' University in the People's Republic of China.
Staff members from the Faculty of Education attended a seminar presented by Prof. McNiff to introduce them to the methodology and conventions of action research.
According to Prof. Adri Beylefeld, Teaching and Learning manager at the faculty, action research is increasingly recognised as a rigorous research methodology. It can enhance the professional development of educators as they study their own practice with the purpose of improving the learning of students.
Prof. McNiff also presented a workshop to staff members of the UFS, titled “Using our educational responsibilities to transform our violent histories into life-affirming futures”.
– Lize du Plessis