Embracing Creativity and Collaboration: A Journey with the Designing for Social Justice Partnership Program

As part of the Designing for Social Justice Partnership program, today marked a pivotal moment as we gathered at the CPUT Granger Bay campus in Sea Point. Nestled within the walls of a beautiful hotel campus, we were surrounded by breathtaking sea views, providing the perfect backdrop for our collaborative endeavours. Stepping into the conference room, anticipation filled the air as we embarked on a journey to organise ourselves for the project ahead.

Today's meeting was unlike any other, as it was the first time the full project team met face-to-face. Except for Sydney, our digital scribe, who unfortunately could not make it, we missed you, Sydney; we welcomed Thandi, a talented graphic designer whose creativity knew no bounds. As she effortlessly crafted intricate infographics by hand on the board during the session, it was evident that her expertise would be an asset to our team. "Welcome aboard, Thandi," we exclaimed, eager to witness her contributions unfold.

The overarching theme of today's agenda was to delve into the content and class preparation for the first four weeks of our program. Personally, I found this session to be particularly captivating, although I must admit, I seem to echo this sentiment after each meeting. But truly, the sessions continue to exceed expectations, leaving me in awe of the collective creativity and intelligence that permeates our team.

Amidst the discussions and planning, it became apparent that our team had reached a harmonious balance of open communication and mutual respect. Voices were not only heard but valued, propelling us closer to our vision of a genuine student-staff partnership. There was an undeniable sense of excitement as we embarked on the course component of our project, fuelled by the collaborative spirit that permeated our discussions.

The essence of partnership radiated throughout our interactions, with both staff and students alike contributing to the design and facilitation of the course. With each idea shared and decision made, it became evident that this course was more than just a syllabus; it was a manifestation of our collective dedication to co-creation and meaningful engagement.

As we journey forward, I hope our efforts will bear fruit and that our participants will glean the invaluable lessons of co-creation in student-staff partnerships. With every ounce of knowledge and expertise poured into its design, this course stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.

Together, we embark on a journey fuelled by creativity, collaboration, and a shared vision for social justice. And as the waves of the sea serve as a constant reminder of the ever-flowing tide of change, we stand poised to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, united in our pursuit of a brighter, more equitable future.

Written by Lukhona Leni