Anchor 2

LIBERATION LEARNING PILGRIMAGES

One of Iziko’s primary programs of solidarity is the ongoing facilitation of pilgrimage to and from sites of struggle for the cultivation of relational solidarity and mutual support. We believe that pilgrimage is holy work, a long stride toward both personal and collective transformation and believe that sites of struggle, past and present, are sacred grounds where the most fundamental truths are able to surface. Truths often unheard, ignored or deliberately silenced. Truths which cry out, disrupt and demand to be heard. Truths, which if allowed to speak, can be metabolized for the healing of colonial wounding.

Solidarity at the site of struggle is at the very heart of Ubuqabane (Comradeship), to allow the pain of others to become our pain.

So while tourists simply pass through a place, pilgrims, in contrast, allow a place to pass through them, making the labour for liberation one which we carry together.

THREE EXPRESSIONS

Iziko’s program of ‘pilgrimage as solidarity’ is expressed and facilitated in three primary ways -

Bridging Sites of Struggle

First and foremost, we desire to use pilgrimage as a bridging point for peace and justice practitioners engaged in diverse glocal struggles. Whether across the city or across the world, there is deep sustaining value in providing opportunities for practitioners to sojourn with others who are also experiencing violence and oppression in different geographical contexts. These pilgrimages allow for the mutual exchange of experience, resources and story which is transformative both for individuals witnessing another’s context of struggle, but also for peace and justice work at large to develop deeper bonds, knowledgies, sustainability and integrated witness.

Amaqabane Solidarity Network

While the opportunity for physical pilgrimage between sites of struggle isn’t always possible, Iziko also works to cultivate regular online gathering spaces where global peace and justice practitioners can meet, learn, connect and share together. These connection points are often a starting place from which deeper works of solidarity can be formed and mutual support can grow.

Immersive Learning Journeys

Finally, Iziko also provides opportunities for individuals, faith communities, organizations and universities to participate in curated ‘Liberation Learning Pilgrimages.’ We invite pilgrims to walk with and listen deeply to current and historic sites of struggle as a means of collective learning and for the cultivation of global and interorganizational solidarity.