South Africa Photojournalism Program

The goal of this program was to provide students with a truly unique experience. Going to South Africa, with its similarities and significant differences to the U.S., offered students a practical way to engage with important global issues. Before the trip, each student chose a project that aligned with their personal interests. Many found that the experience provided much more insight than they had anticipated.

Student Projects

• Arek (24 years old): His project examined the diversity of media in South Africa 20 years post-apartheid. He observed that social media is a powerful tool for expressing opinions about the government and service delivery, even for those with limited access.
• Hailey (19 years old, Temple University): She focused on the economic role of artisans. She learned that many individuals, often without formal education, utilize their natural talents to create and sell goods in various markets, providing a stable income for their families.
• Brianna (19 years old, Temple University): As a journalism student, she researched education in South Africa. Despite changes since apartheid, she found a deeply unequal education system where children in townships often lack basic necessities like textbooks and proper sanitation.
• Eli (20 years old, Temple University): His documentary explored new South African music. He was struck by its similarities to U.S. music, with artists recording in basements, selling mixtapes, and performing shows.
• Breanna (21 years old): Her project investigated the changing role of women of color in the anti-apartheid movement. She recognized that these women faced similar struggles to women of color in the U.S. and that the trip opened her perspective on discussing race.
• Jack (21 years old): He studied the "lost generation"—those who grew up during the later stages of apartheid. He was impressed by people's willingness to share their personal and family stories about that era.
• Maggie (20 years old): Her project focused on HIV/AIDS orphans and the evolving stigma surrounding the illness. She found that these children, whether HIV-positive or negative, do not view HIV as a death sentence, which she found to be a hopeful shift compared to previous generations.

Key Takeaways

• The experience offered a chance to observe the evolution of race relations, potentially offering lessons for the U.S.
• Many students gained a deeper appreciation for what they have.
• A significant realization was that poverty underpins most of South Africa's challenges, making its eradication crucial for solving other issues.
• Some students felt a strong connection and sense of family with people they had just met.
• One student felt more empowered as a Black woman and hopes to inspire similar confidence in Black women back home.
• The trip fostered a greater sense of love and compassion in at least one student, a quality everyone could benefit from.