Jessica's Final Post

As our projects in South Africa have come to a close for this summer, I am amazed by the new things we learned, the inspiring people we met, and the unforgettable experiences we had. Being able to do this project has meant so much to me and I am so grateful to have partnered with the Urban Futures Center and to have worked with the wonderful non-profit organizations and community members in Kenneth Gardens.

While the main focus of this project was to introduce practical technology that would further the mission and capacity of these non-profit organizations, I am reminded that technology is meant to enhance interpersonal relationships, not replace them. At the end of the day it is the strengthening of relationships and dedication amongst the community members that makes the impact. I am humbled by being able to share some technology tools with these amazing non-profits, and to have been embraced by such loving and courageous people. They will always have a place in my heart, and I hope our paths will cross again.

That being said, there are so many people I need to thank for making this project possible (so bear with me!). Much thanks and respect to the:

Everett Program- Professor Chris Benner, Katie Roper, Thomas Gelder and the South Africa planning team- Tyler Spencer, Elizabeth Arzouni, Lili Sierra and my project and travel partner in-crime Andrew Blackwelder

Durban University of Technology Urban Futures Centre- Dr. Kira Erwin and Professor Monique Marks, Dr. Tamlynn Fleetwood, Dennis Ocheing of the Digital Media Archive labs and DUT IT department

Sezokuhle Home Based Care Organisation- Project Manager Khanyi Sibya, Treasurer Zethu Jali and the other members

Carrots and Peas Kitchen: Zandile Ntaka, Joyce Gunkle, Maggie Khwela, Thami Khoza and many volunteers

Finally, I would like to thank UCSC's Blum Center, the Everett Program and friends and family who so kindly offered financial support to make this experience possible.

Nogothando (with love),
Jessica

Andrew recording video and audio

Andrew and Tyler at Paradise Valley

Khanyi, Andrew and I at the clinic

Khanyi dressing me in a beautiful beaded headband, necklace and earrings

Final Post for Andrew

Dear Slugs in South Africa Readers,

My time in South Africa came to an end. Working with DUT (Durban University Technology) Urban Futures, Senzokuhle Home Based Care Organisation, Carrots and Peas, and Youth Digital  Archive Lab was all an incredible experience. Thank you very much to Prof. Chris Benner, Prof. Monique Marks, Dr. Kira Erwin, Dr. Tamlynn Fleetwood, Katie Roper, The Everett Program, South African Committee (Tyler Spencer, Elizabeth Arzouni, and Lilli Sierra), and Jessica Crosby a incredible project partner. 
Also Checkout:
The Carrots and Peas Website and Promo Video
Senzokuhle Home Based Care Organisation Blog
Youth Digital  Archive Lab Website


Peace,
Andrew Blackwelder

Jessica Crosby at the beach

Kami Chere

Last meal in Durban

Senzokuhle collaborating with student nurses from King Edwards Hospital

Senzokuhle collaborating with Carrots and Peas bringing meals to patents throughout KG

Folks Lunch

The Peoples Line at Carrots and Peas

Clothes Line with Lunch

KG Transport

Carrots and Onion

Large Portions of Rice

Zindile (Carrots and Peas)

Joyce (Carrots and Peas)

Kami (Carrots and Peas)

Zakhele Shozi (Carrots and Peas)

Siboniso Shozi (Carrots and Peas)

Say no Evil, Hear no Evil, and See no Evil
Food and Nutrition DUT

Uncle Charles (Carrots and Peas)

Patricia T. Khuzwayo (Senzokuhle)

Untitled Beach Series

At home chillin' with my brother Peter about to jam. Check out a new track from the band he's in Skin & Bones.

Photography by Andrew Thomas Blackwelder

A Luta Continua

Today is my last day of working with the Community Monitors and Bench-Marks Foundation here in South Africa. This has been a life changing experience for me to say the least. Far separated from the usual tourist experience that most get when coming to South Africa, I've spent most of my time staying with those on the other side of the veil. I am convinced that my time here has helped open my perspective in ways I hadn't imagined and I'm grateful for this.

Unfortunately, change is not something that can come about in 2 months time and I understand that it takes much more than a tool to achieve change. The institutionalized systems of Apartheid are deep-seated problems that will take much time and perseverance, but the struggle will continue. The people that I have worked with in my time here have made me hopeful of that in every way. We were able to complete a 3 phase project, make over 100 reports on our map, form a 10 person mapping team, as well as create a stable foundation and plan to continue after I've gone. In this regard, I believe my project has been successful.

There are many people to thank for this project. I would like to give a special thanks to the Everett Program especially Professor Benner, Katie Roper, Thomas Gelder, Donovan Thompson, Andrew Blackwelder, Jessica Crosby, and Priscilla Rios. Of course, the Community Monitors and Bench-Marks Foundation. Additionally, my family and Livani Yoakum have been supportive since day one and done whatever it's taken to help me achieve this. Thanks to family and friends we were able to donate a laptop, wireless modem/router, 2 tablets, a portable disk drive, and 2 smart phones (one for future Everett members working in South Africa.)

Sala Kahle
Tyler Spencer

Video Production and Photography Youth Lab Aug. 21

I am sad to say that I participated in my last Digital Media Archive youth lab last Saturday. Andrew and I had prepared a PowerPoint presentation that talked about the basics of photography and the process of video production. We would have loved to spend more time working on video skills and developing a script; however, we only had a few hours in the lab. I presented on coming up with a concept, the importance of script writing and story boarding while Andrew talked about important camera settings, how to use the condenser microphone and key components when composing a shot. It brought me back to when Andrew and I were working together spring quarter in the Everett Video production lab. The youth enjoyed the hands on experience of filming, audio recording, being the subject of the video and acting as the "marker" between takes. Within the lab time were able to film short segments of each participant describing Kenneth Gardens in a few words. The video clips are in the editing process, so be on the look out for Andrew's post! For now, check out a few of my photos from the lab.

Cheers,
Jessica

8.19- 8.26 Kenneth Gardens

Flamingo Court

I had my first experience at another manciple housing estate near Kenneth Gardens. Carrots and Peas leaders invited me to join in providing free food to adults and children in this community. It was interesting to compare architecture.The structure of the Flamingo building was thirteen stories high. I wonder what that does to the mental state of residents living there? Here is a series of photographs visually describing my experience. After that, I was invited to a Carrots and Peas annual meeting. I went to the Health Clinic that is every Wednesday from 9am-noon serving Kenneth Gardens and the larger community. The Health Clinic is a collaboration between multiple departments at Durban University of Technology and Kenneth Gardens leaders from Senzokuhle Home Based Care Organisation. This series also features a photograph outside the flat I'm currently living.

Peace and Love,
Andrew

Photography By: Andrew Thomas Blackwelder