“I see you – Sawubona.” It’s more than a greeting – it’s a declaration. Rooted in the Zulu tradition, it speaks of deep recognition: seeing someone for who they truly are, not through the filter of others’ opinions or circumstances, but with respect, dignity, and compassion. It alludes to respect and the desire to see others as God might see them, as the people God intended them to be. Or, put another way, to see the very best in people – the way they could be. It’s an invitation to connect. To say: I see you, so I can know you.
And isn’t that the very heart of LAAT – Let’s All Act Together?
When we truly see people, we begin to understand them. And when we understand them, we can begin to meet their needs. That’s what LAAT is about: real recognition, radical empathy, and responsive action.
At the foundation of LAAT’s vision is a powerful, sacred moment from scripture:
“You are the God who sees me.”
These were the words of Hagar – a woman, a slave, a person who had been cast aside. Hagar endured poverty, ethnic oppression, exploitation, domestic violence, homelessness, and single parenting. Her story feels painfully relevant in our schools, our communities, and our society today.
And yet, Hagar was seen by God.
She wasn’t just noticed – she was acknowledged, validated, and promised a future. She even gave God a name. Hagar became a mother of nations. Her story is both deeply spiritual; and deeply political. It is a story which is honoured across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam as a symbol of resilience, faith, and hope. She wasn’t a victim – she was a victor.
At LAAT, we believe every person carries that same potential – to be seen, to be known, and to be empowered. That’s why we exist:
This is social justice as we see it:
Welcome to LAAT – where everyone is seen, and everyone belongs.
