“Knowledge is not only found in books, but also in the footprints of others”

The programme was presented by Professor Veonna Goliath, the Reverend Jacobus Nomdoe of THRV and Dr Bruce Damons of the University’s Engagement Office.

Registered at Mandela University, the SLP forms part of a national training programme supported by a National Research Foundation grant.

In addition to addressing substance abuse, it promotes the alignment of higher education curricula with critical, relational and community-engaged approaches to complex social challenges.

A distinctive feature of the SLP was the opportunity it created for students to engage with community partners as knowledge holders and co-educators. The THRV participants drew on experiences of overcoming substance dependence, homelessness and sexual exploitation, bringing valuable insight, resilience and practical knowledge into the learning space.

Through critical reflection, collaborative activities and arts-informed methods, participants explored how substance abuse and related challenges are shaped by interconnected personal, social and structural conditions.

Reciprocal learning, relational humility, care, resilience and “carefronting” were emphasised, engaging difficult realities with both honesty and compassion.

By the end of the programme, participants were better equipped to apply critical and reflective approaches in their professional and community roles, collaborate across sectors and co-create responses grounded in the knowledge and strengths of communities.

The training affirmed the value of bringing academic and community knowledge into conversation when preparing future educational psychologists for ethical, responsive and socially engaged practice.

As Rev Nomdoe reminded participants, “Knowledge is not only found in books, but also in the footprints of others.”