“i have changed my mind”
Sinomlando Centre for Oral History and Memory Work, which means “We Have a History” in Zulu, was founded in 1994 in collaboration with the School of Religion and Theology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Its mission is to collect and archive Indigenous and Christian oral history narratives as part of South Africa’s broader historical narrative.
As time went on, the organization expanded its scope, recognizing the need for its methodologies in various social sectors. Sinomlando aims to uncover silenced memories, particularly those of individuals who suffered during apartheid. In 2000, the organization developed a project to provide psychosocial support to families and communities experiencing trauma, acknowledging that their practices could be beneficial across diverse populations in South Africa. Memory Work and Oral History have become central to their mission, establishing Sinomlando as a leading research and training institute for Memory Work in the country.
From 2019 to 2020, I worked with Sinomlando as a Communications and Program Coordinator, supporting various psychosocial projects in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. I co-facilitated initiatives such as the Radio Youth Project (in partnership with The Children’s Radio Foundation) and the Friday Youth Sessions (in partnership with the ARV Clinic at Northdale Hospital), implementing Memory Work Camps to improve mental health outcomes for those living with trauma. This experience has been pivotal in my journey to deepen my understanding of trauma, non-verbal storytelling, and culturally communal healing approaches. Below are images of the youth from Northdale Hospital.
Questions posed by the youth at Sinomlando. Grab a notebook and pen. Pause. Ponder. Listen. Go at your own pace. Share with someone or keep to yourself.
Are there people in my life I haven’t told the truth yet? I am involved in a relationship that compromise my values?
Do I have an unresolved conflict with my family member? Is there is someone I want to forgive?
Do I lack quality friendships in my life? Is there is a friendship I need to let go of? hold on to? or nurture?
Is there is a phone call I do not want to make?
What do I think is a safe, trusting, and beautiful environment?
How do I define a loving and caring community of support? Do I feel I have this in my life? If not, how can I foster this?
Am I aware of the impact of my thoughts on my emotions? I am aware of my emotions on my thoughts? I am aware of the impact of my thoughts on my body?
Do I feel I make decisions based on my values? Do I know my values?
Do I eat healthy? Do I sleep well? Do I exercise enough? Is there a health concern I am avoiding?
What books do I want to read? How can I make time for things that bring me joy?
Am I a spiritual being? What practices do I have that contribute to my faith or spirituality?
Do I feel overwhlemed by information I hear from others? How can I invest in peace and silence?
How have I grown today? this week or month?
What am I grateful for? Who am I helping grow? How is my story impactful to others?
Where is the resistance in my life that keep me from feeling confident and empowered?
What fills me up and gives me energy? How can I live a life worth living?