Prof Keshni Bipath and Dr Francinah Masola presented papers at the European Early Childhood Education Research Association EECERA conference held in Lisbon, Portugal on 1 to 3 September 2023. Their paper entitled “Ecosystemic Factors Influencing the Experience of Fear in Young Children” and poster presentation entitled “Higher Education Qualifications for Early Childhood Development (Birth to 4): Investigating Conditions for Successful Policy Implementation” received excellent international attention and curiosity. The EECERA Conference organisers, Prof Tony Bertram, Editor-in-Chief; Prof Christine Pascal, President of EECERA; and Dr Helen Lyndon, Sub-Editor of the European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, were invited to collaborate with the Early Childhood Education Department from the 6 to 8 February 2024. The ECE staff enjoyed a 3-day workshop on academic writing, conference applications, ethics, and dissemination spurred collaborative innovation, propelling the ECE department forward, regarding their vison for research.

One particularly enriching exercise involved dividing the department into two teams, each tasked with the creative challenge of designing a poster. These posters were envisioned as visual representations of the steps necessary for achieving success in academic writing and fostering a culture of collaboration within the department to enhance research output and academic visibility.

In a stroke of inspiration, one team coined the term "UPlifting Writing Circle" to encapsulate the supportive and empowering environment they aimed to cultivate. This term, later abbreviated to "UPlifting," embodied the spirit of encouragement and camaraderie that permeated their approach to academic endeavours. The second team drew inspiration from the rich tapestry of cultural heritage, naming their initiative "Masibambane", drawn from the isiZulu phrase meaning "Let us work together". Rooted in the belief that unity and collective effort are key to success, this name reflected their commitment to collaboration and mutual support within the department.

Motivated by the creative suggestions produced by both groups, Dr Kayla Willemse set out to combine these ideas into a cohesive vision. The finished product was a poster that skillfully combined the two phrases: UPlifting Masibambane: Taking Hands to Grow Together. This represents the department's sense of unity and shared dedication to moving forward as a unit in the pursuit of intellectual influence and academic success.