From Soweto to Canada: AfuRaka's Journey

My name is Kandake Tebogo “Tia” Ramfate—educator, community builder, and founder of the AfuRaKa Institute.

My life’s work is rooted in one mission: protecting and advancing African Indigenous Knowledge Systems while creating real economic opportunities for our people through skills development in agriculture, property, arts, and emerging industries like cannabis education.

This year, that work has opened an incredible international door.

I have been invited to present my research and community programs at the Canadian Association of African Studies Conference 2026 in Canada, where scholars and leaders from around the world gather to discuss Africa’s future. I will be sharing how Afrocentric education, land-based skills, and cannabis sector training can empower historically excluded communities - especially youth, women, and legacy farmers.

This isn’t just my journey - it's our story.

It’s about taking Soweto, our farmers, our healers, and our knowledge systems into global spaces that often speak about us without us.

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