Fostering Cross-Cultural Connections Through Podcasting
On October 20, 2023, Inkululeko marked the launch of an exciting new podcast collaboration called “Connecting Communities.” This project brings together high school students from Syracuse, NY, and Makhanda, South Africa for cultural exchange and learning through podcast conversations.
Students from Nathaniel Nyaluza Senior Secondary and Ntsika Senior Secondary Schools in Makhanda, South Africa
The collaboration was created by Inkululeko, twelve 8th to 11th graders from Ntsika Senior Secondary School and Nathaniel Nyaluza Senior Secondary School in Makhanda, South Africa and seven 12th graders from ITC in Syracuse, NY (and is supported by The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, the Rhodes JMS (School of Journalism and Media Studies), Rod Amner, Katie Argus, and edited by Bloomfield College of Montclair State University Daisha Robinson. The goal is to provide students from both communities with the benefits of an international exchange program without the high costs of studying abroad. Through the podcast, students can build connections, leadership skills, and capabilities in intercultural communication.
In their first two-hour discussion on “Schooling in the USA vs. South Africa,” students from both countries introduced themselves by sharing their names, grades, and hobbies. Common interests quickly emerged in music, arts, video games, and more, sparking an amicable and receptive conversation.
Key differences discussed included ITC having specialized academic programs and easy access to transportation, contrasting with South African township schools' reliance on private transport and staff shortages, leading to limited opportunities for learners.
One student even mentioned, “I wanted to do consumer studies, but literally, they have a class for it, but no teacher.” However, despite different resources and experiences, the exchange offered valuable perspectives students can apply to improve their communities.
The communities found affinity amongst each other once again when they discovered they both have a type of student-run school store, with the South African learners expressing that food and snacks are sold at theirs and comparing it to a cafeteria. The funds raised from these sales go back to the school. Learners from Syracuse expressed selling snacks in a similar fashion. The inaugural podcast conversation revealed many similarities and differences between the students' experiences and perspectives. By engaging in respectful dialogue, they gained insight into new possibilities for enhancing education in their communities.
Students from ITC in Syracuse, New York
As one South African student stated, “Your school sounds the exact opposite of ours, but it gives us an idea of what we can do to make our schools here better.”
The conversations have just begun, and there is still more learning and connecting for these inspired students as they continue using the power of dialogue to shape their shared future.