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From 10-14 November 2025, Prof Henderson (Director, DEAR Centre), was invited by Prof Melanie WalkerLink opens in a new window with Dr Mikateko MathebulaLink opens in a new window and Dr Faith MkwananziLink opens in a new window to a series of activities hosted by the SARChI Chair for Higher Education and Human Development (HEHD), University of the Free StateLink opens in a new window (UFS), South Africa. Prof Henderson's association with the HEHD Programme (https://www.ufs.ac.za/hehdLink opens in a new window ) began in 2013 via a funded doctoral mobility scheme, and has continued ever since. The visit was coordinated by HEHD Coordinator Lucretia Smith.

On 11 November, Prof Henderson and other invited colleagues served as discussants for a presentation day of doctoral students based in the HEHD Programme. There were 8 fascinating presentations by Pikolomzi Qaba, Monthusi Magosi, Gloria Frimpong Adjei, Cris Ndlovu, Moreblessing Chipangura, Tolu Mshelia, Tsholofelo R Motlogeloa, Suzyika Nyimbili. Topics ranged from student funding information, extra-curricular activity participation and studentification in South Africa, to self-employment of entrepreneurship of students and graduates across South Africa, Ghana and Zimbabwe, to safeguarding cultural heritage in Zambia, to women's HE access in Nigeria. The day was ably chaired by postdoctoral researchers Dr Judith Sikala and Dr Paul Michael. Congratulations to all!

On 12 November, Prof Henderson along with Dr Precious SimbaLink opens in a new window (Stellenbosch) and Dr Siseko KumaloLink opens in a new window (University of Johannesburg), served as keynotes at the HEHD Colloquium entitled 'STORIES OF WELLBEING, AGENCY AND REDUCING INJUSTICES'. Prof Henderson presented a paper on the DEAR Centre flagship project WAHEI: 'Narrating a practice with no name? Conceptualising ‘Higher Education Outreach’ in India through faculty member narratives'. The paper was generously chaired by Dr Fenella SomervilleLink opens in a new window and responded to by discussants Dr Arina SibandaLink opens in a new window and Dr Daizy NalwambaLink opens in a new window. The colloquium also included a postdoctoral research showcase and panel discussion of the RAHEDA networkLink opens in a new window. The day as a whole was rich and inspiring.

On 13 November, several members of the HEHD group assembled for a convivial workshop on Diary Method facilitated by Prof Henderson as part of her ongoing work to promote this under-utilised method. The workshop included discussions of methodological decision making and necessary considerations for developing diary studies for research projects. The workshop included encouragement of members to join the Diary Method Community, an online platform to enhance expertise in this method.

Overall the visit was highly successful and there is the potential for future collaboration between the DEAR Centre and HEHD, including a plan to bring the DEAR Doctoral and Postdoctoral Group together with the HEHD group for online interactions in 2026.