In September 2024, Nelson Mandela University hosted its inaugural Humanising Pedagogy Praxis Retreat at The Burhaan in Schoenmakerskop, Gqeberha – an immersive two-day gathering that brought together academics, researchers, and students to reimagine education as a socially just, inclusive, and transformative endeavour. Rooted in the philosophy of Paulo Freire, humanising pedagogy encourages learners and educators alike to challenge systems of oppression and foster critical consciousness. The retreat embodied this ethos, offering a space to explore how empathy, connection, and social justice can reshape learning and teaching within the South African higher education context.

Preceded by a focused writing retreat, participants had the chance to refine their research, engage in structured Pomodoro sessions, and spark new academic projects. This momentum carried into the main retreat, where representatives from seven faculties engaged in dynamic activities like the “Listening Triad” and “World Café,” prompting reflection on dehumanisation and systemic inequity. Drawing on Nancy Fraser’s social justice framework, discussions addressed the economic, cultural, and political barriers to equitable education. Creative exercises – such as language portraits and haiku writing – deepened participants’ engagement with the material, while the final Commitment Circle encouraged attendees to pledge practical actions to advance HP within their faculties.

More than a professional development event, the Praxis Retreat served as a catalyst for change, offering both critical dialogue and practical tools to implement humanising practices in everyday teaching. With another Praxis Retreat already planned for 2025, Nelson Mandela University continues to lead in creating spaces where inclusive, responsive, and transformative education can flourish. As part of the institution’s Vision 2030, the retreat stands as a testament to its ongoing commitment to learning environments that honour every student’s dignity, agency, and lived experience.