Knowledge in People - Unlearning Festival 2024

Knowledge in People Festival: Embracing Unlearning, Restoration, and Community in Soweto

Soweto, March 28-31, 2024 - The streets of Soweto came alive with the rhythms of unlearning, restoration, and community during the recent Knowledge in People Festival held from March 28th to the 31st. This groundbreaking event aimed to disrupt conventional notions of education and restore it to a time of collective listening and deep sensing, drawing participants ranging from young elder 8-year-old youths to wise 80-year-old elders.

Organized by the visionary founder of the Reimagined Learning community, the festival was a testament to the transformative power of collective wisdom. Hosted by Lebo's Soweto Backpackers, it provided a vibrant space for attendees to engage in dialogue, reflection, and celebration.

At the heart of the festival was the profound theme of unlearning, inviting attendees to challenge established paradigms and embrace new ways of thinking. A highlight of the festival was the ceremonial collective drumming around a roaring fire, invoking an ancient practice of meditative drumming that awakened bodies, minds, and spirits alike.

One of the festival's standout moments was the captivating wisdom shared by Mkulu Ndabazethongo, an esteemed elder and keeper of knowledge, who offered poignant reminders and evocations of ubuntu in the face of contemporary crises. His words resonated deeply with attendees, serving as a guiding light in uncertain times.

Youth voices also took center stage at the festival, with members of the Reimagined Learning community, such as Keagan and Selassi, leading sessions that softened hearts and minds. Through contemplations, games, and rap, these young leaders inspired reflection and growth, demonstrating the power of intergenerational exchange.

Throughout the festival, attendees were treated to a diverse array of offerings, including sacred play, traditional birthing practices, and thought-provoking explorations such as "the plate from emandulo," connecting participants to the wisdom of ancestors.

In the spirit of ubuntu and collective sensing, the festival delved into the complexities of navigating a world in the midst of multiple crises. Attendees engaged in discussions on hospicing a world that no longer serves us, while also reimagining a future rooted in deep ecological relationality. These conversations underscored the festival's commitment to fostering community resilience and rekindling connections with the natural world.

As the festival drew to a close, participants left inspired and empowered, carrying with them the transformative lessons of unlearning, restoration, and community. The Knowledge in People Festival stands as a testament to the power of collective wisdom and the importance of embracing new ways of learning and being in the world.

For those who missed this year's event, anticipation is already building for the next Knowledge in People Festival, promising even greater opportunities for growth, connection, and collective renewal.