Educational Development
and Storytelling
“Stories that open minds. Learning that crosses borders.”
Our Mission
We exist to illuminate the human side of education. Through documenting lives in the world of learning, forming strategic collaborations, and developing local storytellers we share critical and intimate stories that reveal how learning unfolds across cultures, systems, and lives. Joining has been our journey.
What We Believe
Rising Tides values storytelling as a sacred act - listening purposefully to others’ experiences, illuminating quiet truths, and weaving personal journeys into a global conversation on education that is a clarifying, consequential and constructive.
We are guided by these values:
Voice – We honor lived experience and elevate stories that are often unheard.
Intention – We approach relationships and storytelling with care, listening deeply and documenting truthfully.
Equity – We focus on perspectives from the margins, believing that justice in education starts with who is seen and heard.
Collaboration – We partner with local educators, filmmakers, and communities, knowing that no one story belongs to just one voice.
Imagination – We believe stories can spark new ways of learning, dreaming, and shaping the future.
Where We’re Headed
We are building a media platform and production initiative that:
Produces a global documentary series that explores how education takes shape in different countries, cultures and contexts
Creates grassroots system of training and a platform for emerging storytellers and local filmmakers
Builds a movement around education the democratization of storytelling, educational research, and being a catalyst for change.
LITERACY IS THE CENTERPIECE IN SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLS
Schools struggle with resource management in attempting to meet the needs of every learner. The principal of Christmas Tinto Primary School feels the stress every day.
PROMISE OF PROGRESS
Education CAN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATION and SHOW A COUNTRY HOW IT CAN REALIZE ITS POTENTIAL.
We are telling stories of South Africa’s past, present and future through the eyes and lives of teachers and students, complemented by analysis from leading experts in the Western Cape. We aim to inform and inspire South Africans to fight toward providing each child with the opportunity at a life of dignity, as well as offer our global audience lessons on how education can overcome oppression.
Do you have a story that needs to be told?
Learn. Teach. Grow.
how might we improve social and economic opportunities for the next generation by improving our pedagogical practices today?
Beyond providing a solid base in literacy and numeracy, today schools are shifting from teacher-centered lectures to student-centered dynamic classrooms where young people feel included and empowered to not only learn about the world, but to help shape it. Join our educational community and let’s learn together about how to create 21st Century classrooms.
We Need Your Support.
Check out the different ways you can help today.
