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24 July 2024
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The University of the Free State (UFS) is co-hosting the Global Social Innovation Indaba together with Social Innovation Exchange (SIX) on its Bloemfontein Campus from 30 September to 2 October 2024. This event brings together people from different sectors all over the world to discuss how to accelerate and support people-powered
change and create a better society for generations to come.
The UFS is excited to collaborate with SIX, as its vision and values overlap. During this three-day indaba, aspects such as – what it takes to build accountable, inclusive, and participatory institutions, specifically the future role of universities in South Africa – will be discussed. Themes to be explored include young people as drivers of change, post-industrial transitions and community resilience, the role of art, social change and bridging divides, and systemic approaches to dealing with unemployment.
Some of the speakers and participants in the programme include Carla Duprat from ICE (Brazil); Cheryl Jacob from ESquared Investments (South Africa); François Bonnici from the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship (Switzerland); Sir Geoff Mulgan from the University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom; and Dr Narissa Ramdhani from the Ifa Lethu Foundation (South Africa).
The UFS will also use the opportunity to showcase its campus and offerings to attendees, focusing on its transformation story and some of the interdisciplinary forward-thinking programmes. Guests will also be treated to true South African hospitality, laying the foundation for strong relationships and collaboration.
SIX believes in the transformative power of people working together. Exchanges based on mutual value and reciprocity are the missing link in tackling the world’s problems. As a friendly, expert entry point to global social innovation, their work connects organisations, sectors, communities, and nations to build capabilities and create opportunities for collaboration.
UFS makes internet affordable for students
2009-08-25
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From the beginning of September internet access for students of the University of the Free State (UFS) will be lowered drastically to make this important medium for students’ study (and student life) affordable.
Prof. Janse Tolmie, Director: Computer Services, says different tariffs will apply in three different time slot, of which the lowest will be 20c per megabyte (MB). At present students pay R1 per MB right through the day. Students already get 30 MB free every month from the UFS, but postgraduate students will have 50 MB available from now on.
In peak time (05:00-17:59) students will pay 70c per MB, 50c in off-peak time (18:00-21:59) and just 20c per MB in discount time from 22:00 to 04:59. The new tariff structure will encourage students to use the internet in the evenings and reduce the pressure on the UFS network by doing so.
The provision of internet access is a high priority with the UFS. Each of the 18 residences is equipped with internet access points in every room. There are more than 3 000 network points in the residences and 1 300 in the general computer labs on campus.
Students have access to social networks like Face Book and Twitter from 17:00 daily.
Prof. Tolmie says the new structure will encourage students to use the internet in the evenings and reduce the pressure on the UFS network in such a way.
Photo: Supplied |