Umuzi Photo Club

The aim: "To empower learners from developing communities in South Africa with the skill of photography while promoting artistic self-expression and critical thinking as means for raising social awareness."

Umuzi which means 'village' in Zulu is a photography club for primary and secondary school learners in developing communities in Johannesburg and now, hopefully,  Cape Town. Through a series of workshops, learners are introduced to "photography basics and visual literacy" and are then handed a film camera for a week with which they can "play the role of a documentary photographer". "In the following workshops, they scrutinize their prints, through classroom discussion and peer critiquing, to build a portfolio of their favourite work which is bound into an album they keep."

'Hood Boy' | Mathlodi Monnakgotla, grade 9, Soweto

'Sky's the Limit' | Joao Nzina, grade 11, Hillbrow

'Egoli-wood' | Mandla Mate, grade 10, Hillbrow

'Home security system' | Mandisa Shongwe, grade 9, Soweto

'Exchange for ancestral blessings' | Mpho Masitenyane, grade 9, Soweto

'Be happy for big mama' | Kgaugelo "Captain" Mabjwe, grade 10, Diepsloot

'I'll do whatever it takes to go back home' | Tshepang Masemala, grade 11, Hillbrow

'Shebeen Blues' | Moses Mokgosi, grade 9, Diepsloot

'Ghetto love' | Joao Nzina, grade 11, Hillbrow

If you're in New York City, The Umuzi Photo Club presents "Mi Kasi es tu Kasi" from 9 - 12 December at The PowerHouse Arena, an exhibition & fundraiser featuring the work of young South African township photographers of Umuzi Photo Club.

"Donations and print sales are Umuzi's primary sources of funding. Expenses include the cost of developing film and making prints, transportation, and breakfasts and lunches at each workshop."

Please help Umuzi Photo Club and donate today to keep this amazing project running & our youth inspired.