On May 31st 2024, the annual VELOV conference took place, themed "A Fresh Perspective on Education: Boundlessly Inspiring." The event was a great success, attracting a wide audience of teachers, school leaders and education experts. eNSPIRED was honoured to present Professor Angela James from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa as the keynote speaker.
 

An inspiring keynote by Professor Angela James

The highlight of the conference was the keynote by Professor Angela James, titled "So, You Say Climate Change is… and We Should Do…?" Her presentation was both thought-provoking and inspiring, challenging prevailing perspectives on climate change. She shared innovative methods for climate change education that provided valuable insights to the participants.
 
Professor James emphasised the importance of practical knowledge and engagement in teaching about climate change. She highlighted how crucial it is to value and integrate the experiences and theories of others. Her approach focused on three core principles: learning, sharing and growing together. According to Professor James, it is about not only effecting change but also working with those changes collaboratively.
 

Valuable insights and practical applications

The conference participants received not only theoretical knowledge but also practical tools and methodologies they could apply in their own teaching practices. These examples transformed their views on education and gave them new ideas on how to enrich their lessons.
 
Many attendees left the event with renewed motivation and concrete ideas to make a tangible impact in their communities. They were inspired by the innovative approaches and practical knowledge shared by Professor James. This underscores the crucial role of teachers as change agents who can influence not only their students, but also their broader environment.

Curious about more insights from Professor Angela James? Read our extensive interview where she delves deeper into her vision and approach to climate education and community engagement.