A spirit of international collaboration and heartwarming generosity filled the air on the Qwaqwa Campus as Prof Julie Shepherd-Powell, Graduate Programme Director of Appalachian Studies at the Appalachian State University (App State), generously donated winter clothing. This act of kindness, however, is more than a simple donation; it is a tangible example of how academic partnerships can actively contribute to creating responsible societal futures by addressing immediate community needs and fostering sustainable, long-term connections.
The genesis of a partnership
The story began with a long-standing academic partnership between App State University and the University of the Free State (UFS). Since 2020, Prof Shepherd-Powell has been working with Dr Grey Magaiza, Deputy Director of the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies (CGAS) – through a US Department of State grant – to develop a master's degree in Community Development at the UFS. This professional connection led to a visit where Prof Shepherd-Powell and her colleague, Dr Trevor McKenzie, Director of the Centre for Appalachian Studies at the Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, were introduced to local community leader, Kgosatsana Feeleng Mota. This fruitful venture was made possible by the Mountain-to-Mountain collaboration-based partnership, designed at its core to strengthen the University of the Free State and the Appalachian State University.
A spirit of collaboration and generosity: Community helping community
"Dr Magaiza took us to meet with the princess to talk about the issues and challenges that the community is facing," Prof Shepherd-Powell explained. It was during this meeting that she learned of the community's need for warm clothing. The idea of ‘mountain community helping mountain community’ resonated deeply, connecting the mountainous regions of North Carolina and Tsheseng.
The contribution was a true labour of love. Faculty and staff at App State donated winter clothing, which Prof Shepherd-Powell personally packed into vacuum bags and carried with her on her flight to South Africa. This direct and hands-on effort highlights the deep commitment to this cause.
Kgosatsana Mota expressed her profound gratitude, saying, "I am overwhelmed that they did it. This act of kindness today has left me truly emotional." The jackets, which come in a variety of sizes, will be distributed through the traditional council to ensure that they reach those who need them most.
A continuing connection for a better future
Looking ahead, Prof Shepherd-Powell hopes this is just the beginning. "We have to keep this collaboration open, because it's good to have mountain communities in conversation with one another," she said. The partnership, which includes Dr Magaiza,
Prof Stephanie Cawood on the Bloemfontein Campus, and Trevor McKenzie, is seen as a beautiful and continuing connection that transcends continents.
“This donation is not just about clothing; it's a powerful symbol of global empathy and a shared commitment to community well-being,” stated Dr Magaiza. International partnerships can be leveraged not just for academic enrichment, but also for practical, community-centred action that contributes to a more compassionate and equitable world. This initiative demonstrates that by integrating a focus on local needs with global collaboration, we can actively work towards creating a future that is more inclusive and socially conscious.