About the Workshop: This presentation explores Constitution Hill as a powerful site of memory and its innovative youth inclusive program that focuses on evolutionary memorialization and psychosocial support. Constitution Hill, located in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a historically significant place that holds the stories of struggle, resilience, and human rights activism.

The first part of the presentation delves into the concept of Constitution Hill as a site of memory. It highlights the importance of preserving and commemorating historical events and individuals who have shaped the nation's identity. The site serves as a vivid reminder of South Africa's turbulent past, including its history of colonialism, apartheid, and the fight for democracy.

The second part focuses on Constitution Hill's youth inclusive program, which is designed to engage and empower young people through memorialization. Recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by the youth, the program aims to provide psychosocial support while facilitating a deeper understanding of the country's history.

The youth inclusive program embraces an evolutionary approach to memorialization, moving beyond traditional methods to engage young people in meaningful ways. It incorporates art, storytelling, and interactive activities to foster emotional connections, critical thinking, and personal reflections. By creating a safe and inclusive space, the program encourages open dialogue, empathy, and social cohesion among participants.

Moreover, the presentation emphasizes the significance of psychosocial support within the youth inclusive program. It highlights the importance of addressing the mental, emotional, and social well-being of young participants as they navigate the complexities of historical memory. Through its youth inclusive program, Constitution Hill creates an environment where young people can explore their own identities, develop a sense of agency, and actively contribute to the preservation and interpretation of their nation's history. By intertwining psychosocial support with evolutionary memorialization, Constitution Hill is paving the way for a more comprehensive and transformative approach to engaging the youth in the processes of remembrance, healing, and social change.

Lebogang Marishane is a South African social justice practitioner working to advance development of African communities and increase civic engagement. She firmly believes in challenging dominant narratives and histories; amplifying marginalized voices and experiences. Her passion is in supporting and building efforts to remember and commemorate historical events and struggles, such as those related to colonization, apartheid, and human rights abuses. She further believes in the efforts to decolonize education, culture, and challenging Eurocentric and colonial perspectives and to center the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities.

Spaces for this workshop are limited and pre-booking is required. Book your place here: https://forms.office.com/e/01Rh9t4eNY