Let’s Meet Under the Tree

Using Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Pedagogy as Pathways to Social Healing in Education

On 4–5 June 2026, St Benedict’s College will host the annual Embrace Symposium — a dynamic gathering of educators, thought leaders, academics, and change-makers committed to shaping a more inclusive and socially conscious future for education in South Africa.

This year’s theme, “Let’s Meet Under the Tree”, explores how Indigenous Knowledge Systems and African-centred teaching practices can contribute meaningfully to healing, belonging, and transformation within our schools and classrooms

Why This Conversation Matters

More than three decades into democracy, South African education continues to grapple with questions of identity, belonging, representation, and relevance. While curriculum reform has evolved over time, many educators still face the challenge of balancing global competencies with the celebration and integration of African knowledge, languages, histories, and ways of learning.

At the same time, learners are navigating an increasingly complex world shaped by global conflict, social division, identity politics, and rapid cultural change. Schools remain one of the most important spaces in which meaningful dialogue, empathy, and healing can take place.

Embrace 2026 creates a platform for courageous, practical, and solution-focused conversations around these realities.

More Than Theory

The Symposium is designed to move beyond discussion and into practical application. Delegates will engage with ideas and strategies that can be implemented meaningfully within their own school communities.

Topics will include:

  • Indigenous Knowledge Systems in modern education
  • Inclusive and restorative pedagogical practices
  • Language and identity in schools
  • Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
  • Social healing and school culture
  • Policy and disciplinary approaches
  • The role of schools in shaping socially conscious citizens

Through keynote sessions, facilitated discussions, workshops, and collaborative breakaways, delegates will leave equipped with practical tools and fresh perspectives for their educational environments.

Featured Speakers

Embrace 2026 brings together an exceptional panel of speakers and practitioners from across the South African educational landscape.

Tebogo Maneli

Upper School History teacher at Lebone II College of the Royal Bafokeng and convenor of the DEIBS Cluster in Gauteng.

Chris Harrison

Admitted attorney and teacher passionate about multilingualism and social cohesion.

Prof Connie Makgabo

Academic Head at SANTS and advocate for African languages and cultural preservation.

Dan Corder

Political commentator, comedian, and host of The Corder Report.

Erick Kabongo

Psychologist, academic, and speaker focused on the holistic development of young people and educational transformation.

A Growing Legacy

Since its inception in 2019, the Embrace Symposium has become an important platform for educational dialogue, social awareness, and transformation. By bringing together educators, learners, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds, the Symposium continues to inspire meaningful reflection and practical change within schools across South Africa.

Event Details

Dates: 4–5 June 2026
Venue: St Benedict’s College
Format: 1.5-day Symposium
Audience: Educators, school leaders, academics, counsellors, and educational practitioners

Spaces are limited.