NWU Faculty of Theology Celebrates Global Collaboration Through Book Launch

School of Nursing Colleagues from the Presence Team Contribute Chapter on Facilitating Presence through Reflective Practices

Book launches represent important academic milestones, celebrating the culmination of research, collaboration, and shared knowledge. On 23 September 2025, the Faculty of Theology at the North-West University (NWU) hosted a special book launch and celebration that underscored the power of international research partnerships and academic exchange.

The event marked the official release of Family, School and Community in the Pluriverse of Current Education, published by Editura Universitara in Bucharest, Romania. This publication brings together the contributions of 19 authors from three continents — Africa, South America, and Europe — showcasing a rich transdisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary exploration of contemporary educational challenges.

Six academics from the NWU contributed to this global project:

• Dr. Kathleen Froneman (School of Nursing)

• Prof. Emmerentia du Plessis (School of Nursing)

• Prof. Tinda Rabie (School of Nursing)

• Prof. Elzahne Simeon-De Jager (School of Psychosocial Health: Social Work)

• Prof. Hendrik Ewerts (Extraordinary Professor, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management)

• Prof. Fazel Ebrihiam Freeks (Faculty of Theology)

Colleagues from the School of Nursing’s Presence Team contributed a chapter titled “Facilitating Presence through Reflective Practices: Guiding Higher Degree Educators.” The chapter highlights innovative approaches to integrating reflective practice into higher education, fostering deeper awareness, compassion, and professional growth among educators.

Each contributor offered a unique lens through which to examine the intersections of family, education, community, and care, drawing on expertise across education, health, social work, and theology. Together, their work deepens understanding of how these interconnected fields shape human development and learning in an evolving world.

The launch not only celebrated the academic achievements of the authors but also highlighted the NWU’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration across disciplines and continents. The discussions at the event reflected a shared vision of advancing research that responds to real-world challenges through cooperation, cultural exchange, and mutual learning.

Through this publication, the Faculty of Theology, School of Nursing and its partners reaffirm their dedication to promoting knowledge that transcends boundaries and contributes to a more inclusive, compassionate, and globally engaged academic community.

Also see: Faculty of Theology hosts a cross-continental celebration of research and publication | news.nwu.ac.za