The idea or concept of Lifeworld differences: Affinities, personae, agency and narrative are all crucial concepts in the teaching and learning I facilitate at the University where I teach in South Africa. I teach within the performing arts faculty and the idea of agency is critical in the programme and within the South African context. New learning paradigms are being put in place where the student takes ownership of their part in the process of learning. They are key figures in the construction and creation of knowledge. A sense of affinity to the cultural context from with they are a part of is key to negotiating their sense of identity within the educational context. The universities within South Africa are committed to transformation of curriculum towards a more inclusive, democratic and just educational system.

The idea of narratives or stories about oneself and identity are key towards learning contexts.Donelson (2018: 65) suggests huge potential in ‘storying’ or narratives due to its ability to transform and change lives. Storying does this through building relationships and community through revealing human’s embodied experiences or memories (Donelson et al., 2018: 65). Drumm (2013: s.p) suggests storying has benefits for the storyteller as it can “empower, encourage personal growth and build resilience”. Storying allows a deeper understanding of the lived experience as humans make sense of their past, present, and future (McAdams, 2008: 241).

Donelson DE, Riley-Mukavetz A, Stahkanova A, et al. (2018) Theorizing a Settlers’ Approach To Decolonial Pedagogy: Storying As Methodologies, Humbled, Rhetorical Listening and Awareness of Embodiment. (August).

Drumm M (2013) The Role of Personal Storytelling in Practice. Glasgow: Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services. Available at: https://books.google.com.au/books?id=N0L5oAEACAAJ&dq=bibliogroup:%22Insights+(Institute+for+Research+and+Innovation+in+Social+Services)%22&hl=en&sa=X.