My story of belonging
Heritage , Identity , Inclusivity , StorytellingCan we call a place home if we are not from there? Can we look different to our neighbour and still belong? Can we believe different things and still find common ground?
We believe the answer to that is: yes!
Story-sharing is a simple, yet profound, way to enter the spaces and lives of others and to help us all overcome our own blind spots and assumptions about other people. It starts with embracing curiosity and suspending judgement, by choosing to lean in to find out more before cancelling or excluding.
In this series of articles we’ve come full circle on the question: what does it mean to be South African? To us, it means being someone who is exploring their own story, and how it impacts the world around them. Someone who appreciates the diversity of the various people who make up this place called home, and what each one uniquely adds to our collective story. And someone who is curious enough to find out how together we can create a cohesive South African story.
Reflection questions
- What do you think will help you feel like you truly belong somewhere (think about each of your contexts: work/home/church/sports club, etc.)?
- What are the practical things that people in each of these contexts could do to make you feel more like you belong?
- What could you do to invite others in who feel like they don’t belong?
Lindsey Moyo
Lindsey has a background in journalism, online content production and publishing. She is passionate about helping people use words to communicate their stories and perspectives.
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The story behind my traditions
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The story behind my language
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Telamsile had to learn how to be herself and hold true to her values as part of a demanding career in an intense industry that doesn't always see the damage it can do in society.
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