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Unlocking Big Changes in Education: Small Ideas from the 2025 Embrace Symposium

Update Big Changes from Small Ideas: The Essence of the Embrace Symposium 2025 The 2025 St Benedict's Embrace Symposium inspired educators and learners alike, showcasing how small, thoughtful ideas can create significant changes in education. Focusing on the theme “Small ideas, big changes,” this workshop-style event highlighted the crucial role of advocacy and innovation in reshaping schools and communities in South Africa. Reflecting these sentiments, Andre Oosthuysen, Executive Head of St Benedict's, emphasized the commitment required for advocacy, stating, “The fight for advocacy and social justice demands relentless commitment.” Year after year, schools are stepping up to lead essential conversations, placing emphasis on the importance of taking initiative to foster a transformative educational landscape. Learning Through Action: The Power of Engagement The symposium opened with dynamic workshops led by notable advocates like Dr. Lynn Edwards and Linda Greeff, who shared their extensive experience in cancer advocacy. Their hands-on approach gave attendees tangible tools and frameworks for community advocacy, moving beyond theoretical discussions to practical, impactful actions. Delegates were able to engage directly, creating advocacy templates that they could implement immediately, thereby translating passion into purpose. This framework mirrors new educational mandates emphasizing inquiry-based learning and practical applications, fundamental components that can help under-resourced schools foster better engagement and outcomes. Such approaches empower students not just to absorb information but to become active participants in change. Exploring Transformation: Breakaway Sessions Smaller group discussions during the symposium focused on specific “big idea” transformations, such as sports policy reforms and refugee support programs. Noteworthy sessions included insights from the Sacred Hearts’ Three2Six initiative, which emphasizes the importance of supporting refugees, showcasing the unique intersection between education and social justice. These small-group settings fostered collaborative environments where participants not only learned from each other but also supported one another in generating innovative solutions for educational challenges. By encouraging breakaway sessions, the symposium reinforced concepts such as cooperative and collaborative learning—strategies that are increasingly recognized for enhancing cognitive skills in students. Art as Advocacy: Political Cartoons as Change Agents One of the standout moments of the symposium came from renowned political cartoonist Zapiro (Jonathan Shapiro), whose presentation chronicled South Africa's journey toward democracy through his art. His analysis highlighted how visual advocacy can mobilize public sentiment and inspire collective action. Cartoons have long played a role in shaping public discourse, and Zapiro's insights depicted the power that creative expression can wield in educational reform. This aligns well with calls for STEM education integration, where arts and sciences collaborate for meaningful change. Why Small Initiatives Matter in Education The symposium's overarching message underscores that transformation does not occur overnight; it is nurtured through consistent commitment and small, intentional actions. Innovations in curriculum reform, emphasizing STEM education, can begin at the grassroots level. As educators and learners take ownership of advocacy in their communities, the ripple effects can lead to significant shifts in educational outcomes. This progressive shift dovetails with the broader objectives of rethinking the CAPS curriculum to include more experiential and inquiry-based learning approaches, helping to create enlivened classrooms that foster self-directed learning and critical thinking. Engaging with Change: How You Can Be Part of the Movement Participants left the symposium feeling empowered to take actionable steps toward meaningful change in their educational environments. Whether you are a parent, educator, or community advocate, understanding the influence of small ideas is essential. Consider how you can support initiatives that promote inclusivity, enhance curriculum standards, or pave the way for improved educational practices. Engaging with these ideals not only benefits individual learners but also strengthens the fabric of communities. As we close the chapter on this year's symposium, the challenge remains to carry forward the momentum it generated. Every voice matters, and with collaborative efforts, big changes are just a step away.