Exploring Community Engagement: a Higher Education Initiative: Building Sustainable Collaborative Partnerships

The White Paper on Higher Education (1997), urged Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in South Africa to avail their expertise and infrastructure for community engagement initiatives in the interests of demonstrating social responsibility and a commitment to the development of communities (Council on Higher Education, 2006). This research monograph is based on a response from the University of the Free State (UFS) in enhancing community engagement via a specific support initiative in previously disadvantaged schools in the Free State province of South Africa. Furthermore, the quality of teaching and learning at the UFS-Volksblad Spring school in which 244 learners participated are discussed whilst the UFS Chief Directorate Community Service?s ?value-added? intervention in which 130 sponsored learners participated, is also highlighted. The research findings and recommendations of this community research monograph give impetus in supporting lecturers, educators, teacher unions and curriculum planners in structuring future school-based support initiatives.