We’re excited to share a big milestone
Our Grade 10 IkamvaYouth learners have entered the editing phase of the Learner Doccies programme. After weeks of capturing stories in the local communities, the learners are now turning footage into meaningful narratives.
We’re so proud of the progress the learners have made, and we can’t wait to share the final films with you!
We’ve officially launched our 2026 Learner Doccies programme
In this first workshop, IkamvaYouth Khayelitsha learners explored storytelling, ethics, and hands-on filmmaking with Ed Young & Yonwaba Olo, from using cameras to asking meaningful questions.
We’re excited to see how these young storytellers bring people's stories to life.
We recently hosted our second co-design workshop with residents from Khayelitsha and Gugulethu, led by Tlangelani Makamu (UCT, PROTEA-Net).
Together, we explored how social determinants such as healthcare access, housing, transportation, and community knowledge shape drug-resistant infections.
The session ended with rich group discussions to guide future community research.
Work like this reminds us: solutions to complex health challenges must be co-created with communities.
Curiosity is often the first step into science.
Learners from IkamvaYouth Khayelitsha joined us at the Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town for a hands-on workshop.
From TB basics to a lab tour, it was a strong introduction to research and health science.
Thanks to the facilitators and the learners for the energy.
We kicked off the 2026 Learner Doccies programme with a recruitment session at IkamvaYouth Khayelitsha.
The programme combines science engagement at UCT IDM with hands-on filmmaking, equipping learners to tell powerful, community-rooted stories on health and climate.
We’re excited to begin with this year’s cohort.
Stay tuned!
When floods rise in Khayelitsha, the impact goes beyond water; it affects health, well-being, and daily life.
We hosted a workshop with residents and the CASCADE team, led by Romyne Karen, to explore these challenges.
Residents shared impacts on health and access to care, from skin rashes to respiratory and mental health concerns.
These insights will shape community-led responses moving forward.
[TRAILER] The Weight of Depression, created by IkamvaYouth Khayelitsha learners, explores how depression affects young people’s lives.
Through honest reflections on grief, loss, and family challenges, the film shows the impact on education, relationships, and daily life. Despite stigma and limited support, it also highlights resilience and the power of community.
Big up to the learners for this powerful work.
Full film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmbITPmvk50
In previous videos in our TB animation series, we explained what TB is and what causes it. Today, we look at how TB spreads.
TB travels through the air in tiny droplets called aerosols, released when we breathe, cough, or speak.
Good ventilation helps. Opening windows and allowing fresh air to circulate reduces infectious particles.
Part 3 of our animated TB series for #WTBD2026.
Animation: Mitchell Gilbert Messina
We hosted the first PROTEA-Net co-design workshop with Khayelitsha residents.
Together with Prof. Esmita Charani’s team, we explored how climate change and social factors shape drug-resistant infections, centring community voices in research.
Starting with “What is research?”, we created space for reflection and shared understanding.
A strong first step toward trust and collaboration.
Many people think TB comes from smoking, dust, cold weather, or dirt, but TB is actually caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which spreads through the air.
Episode 2 of our animated TB series introduces Mike O’Bacterium, helping people remember the bacterium behind TB.
Animation by: Mitchell Gilbert Messina
Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYg3_brchSw
