The Rotary Clubs of Bloemfontein Thabure and Bloemfontein Raadzaal in partnership with CUT hosted the 5^th Conference on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) at CUT, Bloemfontein on the 24 February 2017.  

The conference brought together experts in the field of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), to share research and practical experiences regarding FASD.  200 delegates comprising school learners, teachers, FASD project leaders and researchers, partners of Rotary, Nicro representatives, CUT staff and Rotarians attended the conference. In his welcome address, Prof. Henk de Jager, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, thanked Rotary Club for partnering with CUT and engaging in a topic of national importance that is affecting communities at large. “CUT’s vision of “becoming an engaged university that focuses on producing social and technological innovations in socio-economic development, primarily in the Central region of South Africa” compels us to become involved in matters such as FASD, as, together, we can make a difference.  Our success stories in the field of medical innovations over the past few years are proof of the fact that we take our role in terms of technological innovations and socio-economic development seriously”, he said. 

 

“This conference is taking us on a journey that will offer solutions and insights. As Rotarians, we are proud to be part of something that has huge potential to change the lives of young people and can offer them an opportunity to make a difference”, said Ms Nozipo Sondiyazi, Rotary Club President of Bloemfontein Thabure. She said that the Rotary Club of Bloemfontein Thabure was grateful for the support it had received from all its partners; especially CUT for having played a critical role in ensuring the success of the conference. 

Prof. Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela, Rotarian and Director of Innovation in Learning/ Teaching at CUT was key in the formation of the partnership between CUT and FASD Project through the Rotary club of Bloemfontein Thabure. Other sponsors for the conference included Old Mutual and SAB and their support is also appreciated. It also provided a superb platform for researchers and practitioners to address FASD issues that affect communities today. One of the Speakers, Dr JB Fouche, Head of Psychology at West End Specialised Hospital in Northern Cape, presented ways the region could deal effectively with the growing demands for holistic intervention strategies while simultaneously improving healthful living among young people who are the future. He presented a sustainable FASD prevention programme with particular emphasis on various age groups ranging from 8-29 years.   

Images 

1: Prof. Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela, Director of Innovation in Learning/Teaching and Prof. Henk de Jager, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal. 

2: Ms Nozipo Sondiyazi, current Rotary Club President of Bloemfontein Thabure.