“Brighten up your corner” with 2024 fellow – Magret Botman as she reflects on her experience.

Immersion two kicked off on the 20th of June 2024 in the stunning and picturesque wine lands of the Western Cape in Stellenbosch.

Picture this: I flew in from Johannesburg with eight other fellows and we hit the ground running as soon as we arrived at our venue joined by other fellows from different parts of South Africa.

Our first session was all about reflecting on the enriching experience of Immersion One. It was a fantastic opportunity with months to digest and share the insights gained from the first immersion. Immersion One was a game-changer for me; it empowered me as a teacher, shedding light on the importance of self-care and prioritising ourselves. The skills and tools we acquired during Immersion One truly made a difference in how we approached and showed up for our teaching duties in term two, always keeping in mind the motto “Brighten up your corner” that was emphasised during the first immersion.

This phrase highlights the notion that our impact doesn’t always have to be grand, but rather can be found in the small actions we take in our immediate environment with the resources we have at hand. Being surrounded by fellow change agents who are making a difference in their school environments and communities was truly inspiring. I knew that Immersion Two would be another opportunity to exchange valuable ideas and insights. One of the thought-provoking challenges we faced was defining ubuntu, which essentially means showing humility and compassion for one another within our communities. It was interesting to see how the concept of Ubuntu evolved in 2024 and how we can rekindle the essence of Ubuntu in our current context.

During our sessions, we explored topics like Design Thinking, values, and our role in movements and sustainable activism. One key takeaway for me was the importance of embodying our values through actions rather than just words. Values are not set in stone; they can evolve as we navigate through our personal and professional journeys.

The concept of “generative community” was frequently mentioned, prompting me to research and understand it better. After consulting various sources, I arrived at this interpretation: a generative community is a collective of individuals who unite to create, collaborate, and generate new ideas, concepts, content, or solutions through collaborative processes where each member contributes their distinct perspectives, skills, or inputs to create something greater than what any individual could accomplish alone. This aligns with our aspirations as change agents within the Teachers CAN network.

A highlight of Immersion Two was the engaging panel discussion with facilitators Juanitill Pettus and Thandeka Thusi, who led the discussion around impactful community work. It was a great opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from panellists like Skhumbuzo MpisaneZamabhaca Manila Budu, and Teacher CAN 2022 Fellowship alumna, Nosipho Nyongande. Learning about the initiatives our panellists are involved in within their communities and nationally served as a powerful reminder that each of us has the potential to drive positive change, despite the obstacles we may face.

A panel discussion with Thandeka Thusi, Zama Budu, Skhumbuzo Mpisane, Nosipho Nyongande and Juanitill Pettus.

A particularly poignant question raised by Juanitill to Nosipho was, “Amidst your many responsibilities, how do you prioritise self-care?” This question serves as a valuable reminder for teachers to prioritise their well-being. So, I ask you, how are you prioritising self-care in your life?

Overall, Immersion Two was a stimulating and enriching experience that left me feeling motivated and inspired to continue making a difference in my teaching practice and community, while remembering to fill my cup before pouring into others. Looking forward to sharing more insights and learning together in the future.


            

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