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.

 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, 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

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

Partners Involved in Collaboration: