Connecting Communities
Our mission is to give students in both Syracuse and Makhanda the opportunity to engage in a virtual exchange program. Reports from educational professionals show that exchange programs help students build new connections and strengthen confidence, leadership skills, and capabilities in intercultural interactions. The sharing of ideas between different cultures and regions is essential to a socially conscious education. Although South Africa and Makhanda are 8,000 miles apart, they share similar struggles with racial inequity, educational barriers, and poverty. Dialogue between these groups gives insight into how diverse communities can still find common ground and international solidarity. It is for these reasons that Inkululeko is why we are hosting a podcast between students in these communities. The podcast allows students to reap the benefits of an educational exchange program without paying the high expenses of study abroad programs.
Podcast Episodes
Listen on Spotify.
In Episode One, students spoke to one another about distractions in school, the environment in school and the curriculum they each follow.
In Episode Two, students had a discussion to one another about mental health, how it impacts their academics and every day decisions.
In Episode Three, students discussed their academic passions and the contrasting higher education financing systems between South Africa and America. They delved into the subjects they’re passionate about pursuing at the university level.
In Episode Four, students found common gorund when discussing outside influence and distractions impacting their educational journeys. Despite their different contexts, the conversations revealed how external factors can pose similar challenges to academic focus.
In Episode Five, a group of students engage in a lively discussion about political topics. They share their views on the current presidents of their respective countries and analyze what those leaders are doing or not doing to serve the needs of their nations.
In Episode Six, distance doesn’t define connection. Students explore the surprising similarities in relationships.
In Episode Seven, students have a discussion on their culture differences and what each culture have in common.
In Episode Eight, students held a discussion on the topic Feminism and how its taught differently between students in Syracuse and students in South Africa.
In Episode Nine, student spoke about Nepotism and realizing the differences between nepotism in South Africa and the rules restricted in America regarding Nepotism.
In the Final Episode of our podcast series, students from ITC High School and learners in South Africa reflect on the friendships formed. Delve into their favorite topics discussed throughout the season, share insights gained and topics that challenged their preconceptions.
Season Two, Episode 1, Part 1. The birth of South African Constitution.
The Podcast Collaboration
Inkululeko is inviting students from ITC High School and students from Makhanda to participate in 10 two-hour-long meetings discussing a range of topics chosen by the participating students! Examples of topics they may discuss include racial inequality, barriers to accessing higher education, and the impact of COVID-19 on education. Before each discussion, each community will prepare a fact sheet to share with the other community around each topic. Students in each community would read the other's fact sheet and then engage in a facilitated discussion on the topic. After editing, each discussion will be posted in the form of a 45-minute podcast episode. Through this collaboration funded by the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust and Hlanganisa Community Fund. Students will develop greater skills in communication, leadership, and engagement from different perspectives and backgrounds, as well as spark school-wide conversations about inequality and international issues.
Key Players
Vasillius Klint
Hometown: Baldwinsville, New York, USA
Role: Project Lead
Why do you think this project is important?: “It is imperative to give learners from both countries a chance to meet and engage with people of various backgrounds, as it gives them a wider perspective of the world. In providing this opportunity, we are allowing youth from these communities to come together and see how similar yet different they can be, and find a sense of unity with each other.”
Rod Amner
Hometown: Gordon’s Bay, South Africa
Role: Provide technical support, as well as support in transport, logistics, and any other support needed by learners through the means of 3 individuals employed by the Social Employment Fund.
Why do you think this project is important?: “It could help spark the resuscitation of youth media in Makhanda!”
Nosipiwo Dosi
Hometown: Cala, South Africa
Role: Facilitator for South African students
Why do you think this project is important?: “It is important because I believe it is going to build a lot of confidence in the learners and literacy as well. They will be able to express their opinions on different topics they will be discussing and will have the opportunity to have conversations with other people from a different country, sharing their different cultures, histories, and what is currently happening in their countries and around the world.”
Daisha Robinson
Hometown: Jersey City, New Jersey
Role: Voiceover and Editor
Why do you think this project is important? “This project is important because it’s an outlet for students to come together and have a voice and exchange issues.”
Malachi Jones
Hometown: West Orange, New Jersey
Role: Social Media Coordinator
Why do you think this project is important?: “This project is important because we are able to show the different learning experiences between students in South Africa and students in America through media.”
Katie Argus
Hometown: Baldwinsville, NY
Role: Facilitator for Syracuse Students
Why do you think this project is important?: “A global perspective is so important for our youth to move forward.”
Partners Involved in Collaboration:
