Re:storying Education – A Journey of Reflection, Connection and Purpose

On 31 July 2025, the Tshiamiso Astronauts team had the opportunity to attend the Re: Storying Education Workshop hosted by Love Our City in Bryanston, Johannesburg. What unfolded was more than just a workshop, it was a space of deep reflection, shared stories, and collective purpose around the future of education in South Africa.

Love Our City, the social impact arm of NCCB, is committed to restoring education by bridging the gap between communities, schools, and those who care deeply about empowering learners. Their vision is clear: to remove barriers in education and create spaces that bring together leaders from all sectors, public, private, and civil society, to reimagine how we support learners in their journey.

A Circle of Humanity

The session began with a powerful moment of personal sharing. Around the table, participants reflected on three key areas of their lives:

• Personal: What are our biggest challenges and high points?

• Professional: Where are we thriving, and where are we stretched?

• Spiritual: What is shaping our inner world and the way we live for the benefit of others?

What struck us most was a realisation that transcended roles and titles: no matter where we come from, we are all facing battles, visible and invisible. The room was filled with educators, businesspeople, activists, and community leaders — yet we shared similar concerns, similar fatigue, and the same deep longing to do meaningful work.

Keynote 1: Nonhlanhla Mjoli-Mncube – “We Are All History Makers”

Nonhlanhla’s keynote was a heartfelt reminder that education is the most powerful weapon against poverty. She reminded us that “the mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.” As someone who has spent decades fighting for equity and justice, her words were not just inspiring, they were a call to action.

Some of her key reflections included:

• We must lift others as we rise.

• Don’t be discouraged by imposter syndrome, you might be the one sent to transform lives.

• If your dream doesn’t scare you, it’s not big enough.

• Fear is the opposite of faith.

• Shine your light — not to be seen, but to help others see the path.

It was a session filled with challenge and hope, reminding us that while the obstacles in our communities are real, so is our potential to shape the future.

Keynote 2: Trevor Hartley – “Exchanging Hurry for Harmony”

Trevor’s session introduced us to the life-changing concept of Essentialism, the disciplined pursuit of less but better. In a culture obsessed with busyness, he asked us to pause and reflect:

“If you don’t prioritise your life, someone else will.”

He spoke about the difference between Hurry, the exhausting pace of doing too much, and Harmony, a rhythm of life rooted in wisdom, clarity, and intentionality.

Through a guided exercise, we explored:

• How we think: Do we try to please everyone or focus on what really matters?

• How we act: Do we constantly react or work from a place of purpose?

• How we feel: Are we overwhelmed or free to choose meaningful impact?

This session gave us language for what many of us feel daily, that we’re doing good work, but often at the cost of our health and clarity. Essentialism reminded us to slow down, reflect, and lead from rest rather than stress.

Our Reflection as Tshiamiso Astronauts

Workshops like Re:Storying Education are vital. They remind us that we’re not alone in this work, that there are others dreaming, building, struggling, and learning just like we are. We left with a renewed sense of connection, a few bold questions, and a deep desire to make space for harmony in our leadership and programmes.

As an organisation that champions literacy, wellness, and community empowerment, we’re more committed than ever to ensuring our work is intentional, restorative, and transformative, both for those we serve and those who serve.

Final Thought

We’re grateful to Love Our City for the invitation, and to every speaker and participant who brought their full selves to the room. Re:storying education isn’t just a moment, it’s a movement. And we’re honoured to be part of the story.