Bacon & Eggs with the VC: Jonathan Jansen mentoring first years

The University of the Free State was hit by protests during the #FeesMustFall campaign just like any other. There were arrests and class suspensions and like the others end of year exams eventually got underway. So what is it about the UFS that’s got Biznews community member David Melvill talking? Melvill’s piece looks at mentorship, and the value it brings to the ‘life’ education of students. So what does this have to do with UFS? The university’s Vice-Chancellor Jonathan Jansen has taken mentorship to another level. Jansen and his wife invite 10 first year students for breakfast every morning Monday to Friday. One could argue it’s a two-way relationship as the students engage with the VC, while the VC gets ‘on the ground’ insight. A nice touch. – Stuart Lowman

By David Melvill

My heart rejoiced this week with some of the best news I have heard in a long time!

Did you know there is a man and his wife who invite 10 students every morning (MondayFriday) for breakfast? His wife prepares a basic breakfast for all, most importantly it is the opportunity for 1st year university students to interact with their Rector and Vice-Chancellor.

University_of_Free_State

He asks them two questions:

  1. What has disappointed you most about my university?
  1. What would you like me to do to make your university better?

WOW! Is that not powerful?

Hats off to JONATHAN JANSEN!

Born in Montagu. He is the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State.

Is this not an example for other educators to follow too?

I remember fondly, my German teacher, Otto Kossar, inviting us to his home for a braai.

What a joy and privilege! We knew then he cared and was passionate about us after that.

There is one other principal that I know of at RBPS, Tony Ryan; every Friday he invites a handful of grade 7 boys to his office for lunch. There he gets to know them personally and builds a meaningful relationship with them.

In Jansen’s weekly article he refers to the value and importance of Mentors.

He reaches his conclusion with this paragraph. So often adults at talks around the country ask me: “What can I do to help the situation, to make a difference in education?” Here is my suggestion – offer yourself as a mentor at a school. Take a small group and meet them regularly. Go to the movies, take them to book events, have them meet inspiring role models. More important than end-of-year exams, help our youth pass the examination of life.

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