Taking HANDS: Presence in Action at the African Community-led Knowledge Co-creation Conference

There are moments when you realise that a project has become something much bigger than the idea that first sparked it. What started as a small act of caring in a single ward has grown into an inspiring community engagement initiative that is changing lives, strengthening partnerships, and creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration.

From 7–9 July 2026, Dr Annemarie van Wyk and Dr Mariska Oosthuizen-van Tonder proudly presented the Taking HANDS project at the African Community-led Knowledge Co-creation Conference, hosted at the Sanlam Auditorium, North-West University (NWU). The conference, led by the Faculty of Health Science, was showcased to delegates from across Africa who gathered to share stories of collaboration, innovation, and community impact.

What began in November 2022 through the clinical accompaniment of nursing students has grown into an interdisciplinary community engagement initiative rooted in the Presence Approach. Starting with one nurse in one ward, it now reaches multiple wards and involves colleagues and students from a range of disciplines, including nutrition, pharmacy, psychology, social work, engineering, theology, and agricultural sciences. The Taking HANDS team was well represented at the conference. Alongside the presenters, the delegation included three valued community stakeholders and four Presence Champions from North-West University, reflecting the collaborative spirit that lies at the heart of the initiative. Their presence demonstrated that meaningful community engagement is not driven by individuals working alone. Instead, it is built through relationships, shared purpose, and partnerships between universities, healthcare services, students, volunteers, and communities.

The Presence Approach reminds us that good care begins with paying attention. It is about truly seeing the other person, understanding what matters most to them, and doing what can be done in that moment. Our presentation shared not only the growth of the initiative but also the stories that have shaped it: strengthened partnerships, meaningful student involvement, projects like the Second Life group, the winter initiative and the needlework group, and the simple yet profound words of one patient: "They are my Powerade." These experiences remind us that when people from different disciplines come together with a shared commitment to presence, small acts of attentiveness can make a lasting difference.

The conference reminded us that while every context is different, the need for Presence is universal. As we continue this journey, we remain grateful to every student, colleague, healthcare worker, and patient who has become part of the Taking HANDS story. Together, we are learning that small acts of intentional presence can create lasting change.