Workshops
Workshops > South Africa
South African and Seattle students taking a break from school 2006

Adventures in Digital Storytelling: Exploring the Environment with
Youth in South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa

Digital Stories with Hector Peterson Secondary School
Hector Peterson Secondary School derives its name from one of the first young students who died in the uprising against the apartheid government for implementing unjust educational policies. Situated in the informal settlement of Wallacedene in Kraaifontein, this school serves not only the community of Wallacedene, but those of Bloekombos and the greater Kraaifontein area as well. The student body is Xhosa with a dedicated diverse staff of administrators and teachers A priority for this fast developing school has been the improvement of their grade twelve pass rate in the final examinations. Hector Peterson was provided two computer labs in 2003 by the Khanya project supported by the Western Cape Ministry of Education.

What you’ll learn in the workshop:
In this workshop, you will learn digital photography techniques—including portraiture, managing digital workflow and editing—and the art of digital storytelling, including video and audio capture, video editing, and the basics for creating a memorable multimedia presentation. A low participant-trainer ratio ensures individual attention and the ability to work at your level, whether you’re a true beginner or an experienced photographer. At the end of the workshop, you will have captured stunning sights and memories in still photos, shared your experience with local youth, and honed your photography and multimedia skills.

A Cross Cultural Collaboration
We will invite the Hector Peterson students to engage and explore environmental issues and its effects on their community. This as an opportunity to both train our South African students on digital storytelling and to explore how culture shapes our concept of photography. This is an incredible opportunity to build relationships with youth of South Africa in this fascinating community, while learning from and with them. From basic digital image capture to special topics in managing digital work flow, participants of all skill levels with be challenged to take their work to the next level. Our creative collaboration with the students will culminate in a special celebration at Hector Peterson School for the community to enjoy.

An Exploration of Cape Town and its surroundings
Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It's a place where old and new harmoniously converge - in history, architecture, cultural pursuits and the essence of its people. Warmed by the African sun and immense natural beauty, some of the wonderful sights include Table Mountain which is set on a peninsula of soaring, rocky heights and lush valleys, where two oceans converge- Indian and Atlantic. Cape Town, the "Mother City", the oldest city in South Africa which provides a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years. Some of the main attraction includes, Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned; and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens internationally acclaimed as one of the great botanical gardens of the world and magnificent beaches.

Kraaifontein is located just outside of Cape Town close to the beautiful wine country on the Cape Town Wine Routes where some of the world’s best wines are produced. We will establish a home base in Cape Town and travel daily to Hector Peterson Secondary School. Opportunities for remarkable image making will present themselves every day of this workshop.

The Instructors
Experience digital photography with world-renowned photographer and Bridges founder Phil Borges. Phil is known for his ability to create a relationship between the audience and his photographic subjects. His most recent project is Women Empowered. Digital editing and multimedia will be taught by master trainer Julee Geier, whose experience training in Adobe Premiere spans several workshops around the world. Lori Markowitz will join our team of experts and has been active in South African affairs for the part fifteen years. Lori has volunteered numerous times in the townships.