CO-DIRECTOR

Arlene (she/her) is a sociology and social anthropology student at Stellenbosch University, and is completing her master’s degree focusing on water use and management on Cape Winelands wine farms. Arlene is a social butterfly at heart and is passionate about bringing people together and sharing experiences. She is interested in creating spaces where different people can come together to talk about serious matters that affect us all, including the environment, sustainability, the climate crisis, and inequality. She encourages people to think for themselves and not to take everything they hear and see as absolute truths.

CO-DIRECTOR

Keilidh (she/her) is a student at Stellenbosch University, where she is completing her master’s degree in social anthropology with a focus on the energy justice activism of a faith-based NGO in Cape Town, South Africa. Keilidh has a personal and academic interest in questions of justice and activism, and in creating spaces for students to engage with complex problems beyond their coursework and in dialogue and collaboration with their peers across contexts.

CO-DIRECTOR

Matthew (he/him) is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Stellenbosch University, where he is working on comparative research involving environmental activism and justice in the context of climate change. He is one of the founding partners of the Global Classroom for Democracy Innovation. Matthew has developed scholarship around a range of issues, most recently around collaborative international pedagogy. Personally, he is a supporter of numerous climate justice and grassroots activist networks.

CO-DIRECTOR

Mukisa (he/him) is a recently-graduated sociology master’s student from Stellenbosch University, where he also achieved his undergraduate and honours degrees. He is one of the founding partners of the Global Classroom for Democracy Innovation, where he got his start in design-based work. Mukisa is interested in research focused on race, class, gender, and masculinity within higher education institutions.

BRAND LEAD

Ava (she/her) is a master’s student at Stellenbosch University and passionate advocate for understanding the social implications of online engagement. With a background in sociology and anthropology, she is interested in delving into how virtual interactions shape our identities and communities. Her curiosity has recently extended to exploring the transformative impact of AI on modern social dynamics, emphasizing its role in reshaping creativity and fostering innovative approaches to human interaction. Through her work, she aims to bridge the gap between technology and society, fostering a deeper understanding of how digital landscapes influence collaboration. She enjoys travelling and loves being a tourist in her home city of Cape Town.

PARTNERSHIP LEAD

Joshua (he/him) is an urbanist and Ph.D. candidate at Stellenbosch University, deeply engaged in understanding the dynamics of urban life. He enjoys exploring the diverse aspects of collaborative facilitation, finding joy in bringing people together from different disciplines to tackle urban challenges. Joshua believes in the power of global citizenship and strives to create inclusive and sustainable cities for everyone. With his passion for making a positive impact, Joshua is committed to shaping the future of urban environments through his research and advocacy efforts.

DIGITAL LEAD

Kezra (she/her) is pursuing advanced studies in social anthropology, with a focus on urban animal care in mega cities. For the past three years, she has dedicated her research to understanding the lives and welfare of street dogs and cats in Cairo. She is particularly interested in the ethics and language surrounding the care of more-than-human beings. In addition to her academic work, Kezra is a committed educator at Kompass Education. She works as a middle school and high school teacher and leads the English programme. This dual role allows her to merge her passion for teaching with her dedication to social and animal welfare.

DIGITAL CO-LEAD

Tshegofatso (she/her) is a 3rd year BA student majoring in political science and history at Stellenbosch University. She is an aspiring political analyst, who believes that South Africa needs more young people in its political sphere. She is also deeply passionate about creative arts, and in her spare time curates cultural evenings around Stellenbosch.