The School of Commerce at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently hosted the virtual launch of Stories of Hope – Reimagining Education, a book co-edited by Professor Upasana Singh, Academic Leader and Senior Lecturer in the School.
The publication features contributions from a global community of teaching and learning specialists.
Welcoming participants on behalf of the Dean and Head of School, Professor Stephen Mutula, Professor Betty Mubangizi highlighted the significance of the occasion.
“This book is a testament of what is possible when collaboration happens with an aim of challenging the status quo. The book is an important step in reimagining Higher Education at a time when the sector faces complex challenges of disengaged students, fatigued lecturers, and the growing tension between academic purpose and institutional performance,” she said.
Stories of Hope does not dwell on these crises but instead spotlights solutions. The collection presents real-world innovations that challenge conventional approaches while envisioning more humane, inclusive, and inspiring educational futures.
It emphasises practical interventions, fresh perspectives, and transformative practices that empower both educators and students.
The book features diverse contributions, including approaches to student and staff wellbeing, playful and creative learning methods, fostering belonging and compassion in educational spaces, the value of community-facing education, the role of technology in nurturing collaboration, and the importance of interdisciplinary networks of support.
These reflections come from international contributors who include Ms Michelle Morgan, Mr Mark Ingham, Ms Michelle J. Eady, Ms Mayia Arcella-Panlilio, Ms Vikki Hill, Ms Liz Bunting, Ms Aspasia Eleni Paltoglou, Mr John Parkin, Ms Jane Booth, and Ms Catherine Bates – underscoring UKZN’s commitment to targeted internationalisation and global knowledge exchange.
Singh, co-editor of the book, emphasised that Stories of Hope is not a manifesto of complaints but an invitation to reimagine education as a space for radical hope, meaningful change, and transformative action.
In closing, Singh stated: “Stories of Hope is not a catalogue of problems but an invitation to reimagine education. It is grounded in practice, rich with possibility, and rooted in radical hope.”
The recording of the book launch can be accessed here.
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Image: Supplied