Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
27 February 2025 | Story Edzani Nephalela | Photo Supplied
Teacher Training in Lesotho 2025
Various stakeholders participated in the two-day workshop from 16 to 17 January 2025 as part of the Online Teacher Training in Mathematics and Science on Content project. The initiative aims to equip secondary school mathematics and science teachers across Lesotho with essential skills.

The Faculty of Education at the University of the Free State (UFS) has taken a significant step in regional engagement and educational transformation through its partnership with Lesotho’s Ministry of Education and Training. In October 2023, the faculty, through its Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Technology Education Department, embarked on an R11 million project to provide online training for 235 mathematics and science teachers in secondary schools across Lesotho.

The Online Teacher Training in Mathematics and Science Content project will mark its final stage on 28 February 2025, following a two-day workshop from 16 to 17 January 2025. The workshop brought together key stakeholders to reflect on its impact and explore opportunities for further collaboration in teacher development. This project aligns with the UFS’s Vision 130 strategy, reinforcing its commitment to research-led, student-centred, and socially responsive education.

 “This initiative is an example of our dedication to leveraging digital learning tools to address regional education challenges,” said Dr Kwazi Magwenzi, Director of Projects and Innovation at the UFS Faculty of Education. “By equipping teachers with enhanced pedagogical skills, we are contributing to long-term improvements in the quality of education in Lesotho.”

Strengthening regional collaboration and societal development

Over the past few years, the faculty has also strengthened its role in delivering high-quality education programmes, such as the Southern African region’s SANRAL Mathematics and Science PhD Programme. Through close collaboration with industry partners, public institutions, and the private sector, the faculty has extended its reach to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), ensuring its teacher development programmes remain relevant and impactful.

“One of our key objectives is to address pressing societal needs actively,” Dr Magwenzi added. “Our commitment to regional engagement means leveraging our expertise to contribute meaningfully to the development of the African continent, particularly in Southern Africa. As our close neighbour, Lesotho was a natural focus for this initiative.”

Expanding the faculty’s footprint in the region

The success of this initiative has laid the foundation for expanding the UFS’s regional footprint through additional short courses tailored to societal needs. The faculty envisions extending its expertise to other regions, further solidifying its position as a leader in education and research.

“As we conclude this phase of the project, we are inspired to build on these achievements,” said Prof Maria Tsakeni, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Technology Education in the Faculty of Education. “This initiative has demonstrated the power of strategic partnerships and innovative learning models. Moving forward, we aim to design more programmes that contribute to the educational and economic growth of the region.”

By fostering regional collaboration, enhancing teacher competencies, and driving educational innovation, the Faculty of Education at the UFS continues to shape the future of education in Africa. This initiative is a testament to its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and societal transformation.

News Archive

Mandela Rhodes Scholarship for Kovsie student
2011-10-25

 

Jaco Griessel, our Mandela Rhodes Scholarship winner
Photo: Hannes Pieterse

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation has honoured Kovsie student Jaco Griessel with a prestigious Mandela Rhodes Scholarship for 2012. This student from the Odeion School of Music is one of 23 students on the continent to receive the prestigious award this year. The scholarship is awarded to young Africans who demonstrate academic and leadership potential.

Griessel, who is currently busy with his B.Mus honours degree, is an achiever of note with many accomplishments to his name. In 2010 Griessel won the Fanie Beetge Prize for best undergraduate student in systematic music studies. A year before that he received the same prize for best undergraduate student in historical music studies. The 25-year old Griessel will continue his studies at our university next year with a master’s degree, specialising in music composition. The Kovsie student says his dream is to compose music one day. He writes anything from classical, light to jazz music.

With the scholarship, Griessel gets access to leadership development programmes and an opportunity to interact with a diverse group of fellow scholars spanning the continent and academic disciplines. The scholarship further provides for study and registration costs, study material, accommodation and a personal allowance.

Message from Sannah Mokone (One of two UFS Rhodes Scholars)
Dear Prof Jansen, let me take this opportunity to congratulate you and the UFS on Jaco Griessel's reception of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, wow!!! What a fantastic opportunity!

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