“Experiences like these shape my perspective for my profession as an artist, and personally as a man, and I am eternally grateful for it”. – Sam, Coventry University
The impact that can be made through the arts is often overlooked. And it might leave you wondering how your artistic skills can make a positive difference in the world. No need to speculate further. One of our interns, Sam, showed us just how the power of photography can leave a long lasting mark on a whole community. Join us as we share Sam’s inspiring story; one where he embarked on an unforgettable internship in Cape Town, and found a way to share his love of capturing enticing imagery and make a meaningful impact.
The Internship
In the heart of Cape Town, this specific Photography Internship abroad offers endless possibilities of both personal and professional growth. It allows you to push your limits and experiment with your current skills, as well as gain new ones in a supported environment. You can join this nonprofit on a mission to connect and improve the quality of life of the surrounding townships in multiple aspects. Your tasks would be centered around capturing the work that they are doing, permitting you to grow your portfolio while contributing to their mission.
The Organization
This organization works in an underserved township on the outskirts of Cape Town that deals with a high level of social issues such as poverty, crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and HIV/AIDS. The primary site is based in a community center that directs all kinds of resources to the community and cares for around 100 children every day. The children are from families that lack the resources to provide them with daycare, and the center offers a safe and educational space on a daily basis. They also provide a safe space where kids can be creative and interact with different art forms as they lack the resources to do so in their other environments.
About Sam
Meet Sam, an art and photography lover from India who was eager to turn his passion into social change. Sam wanted to experience South Africa’s rich culture and explore humanitarian photography at a deeper level. Luckily for him, he found a great match through one of our photography internships based in Cape Town with a nonprofit that was in need of a photographer. He quickly encountered a profound connection with the community, leading him to have a transformative experience that deeply resonated with both his personal and professional aspirations. Read more to find out how Sam used his photography skills as a catalyst for change, transforming a South African community.
Explore More About Our Photography Internships
5 Big outcomes from Sam’s photography internship
1. Engaged in outreach initiatives
With the nonprofit that Sam was interning in, the interns participated in tasks that focused on community building and engagement. There was one initiative going on while Sam was in his internship that included improving sanitary spaces in a nearby township. Sam was there to document and capture the progress of the project through his photography skills. However, while accomplishing his duties, he wasn’t expecting to connect so deeply with those around him.
“A pivotal moment during my internship was when I went to visit a local home in Cape Town, where I found myself reflecting on my father’s journey out of poverty. In front of me, there was this opportunity to use my privilege to make a difference in someone’s life. If I can change even one person’s life for the better, I would be a better, happier man. Since then, a deep-seated desire to make a tangible difference ignited. Anything and everything I could do for the community was very personal for me, and I took it as a big responsibility.”
2. Created a safe space for others to be more creative
In communities like the one Sam was based in, the arts aren’t necessarily a number one priority. Due to the lack of resources and interest in funding, kids and adults alike don’t have the chance to experience the wonders of the arts, including photography. This is a situation that Sam noticed quickly upon arrival and he set off to investigate how the community members felt about the matter.
“I noticed a limitation of exposure to and discussions around the arts. I wanted to know more, and through a team member, I was able to meet with local artists from the community. After talking with these artists, I discovered that there is a high demand among the youth to have a platform and space to showcase their work, meet other artists, and gain exposure. Seeing the vibrant spirit and artistic potential within the community inspired me to create a space where local artists could thrive.”
From this point on Sam worked to find a way to connect more people to his favorite art form: photography. Along with his team members, he worked to encourage community members about getting involved in creative initiatives . They informed the public that they had a space in their community center that was open to new fresh ideas regarding the arts. By opening up this space, it allowed nearby townships in Cape Town to come and join them in the community center to learn more about photography and different art forms.
3. Inspired others to break out of their shell
After spreading the word about having a space to practice and learn from, great things started to happen. Community members started to warm up to the idea of having more access to the arts. The interest of learning, creating, and sharing artwork grew daily. As the days progressed, seeing everyone excited and eager to know what was going to happen next, an idea started forming in Sam’s head. What if they were to showcase the magic that was taking place at the community center through an art exhibition? By doing this he would motivate young kids and show them how far their artwork can take them; as well as get local artists the acknowledgement they very much deserved.
Sam expressed his thoughts at the community center, and despite the time and effort that it would take, they all got on board with the idea and started working on the next steps. What followed was an overall enthusiasm on the project and a great willingness of the community to get involved.
“As the exhibition neared by, there was a lot of excitement among the people, specifically the artists who never had a space like this before. I remember I was getting artists contacting me to showcase their work in our exhibition space even a day before the exhibition itself! Witnessing the excitement, enthusiasm, and deep appreciation by the local artists as the exhibition came to life was incredibly rewarding.”
Learn about the impact of Humanitarian Photography
4. Founded first ever art exhibition
Having the opportunity to share your passion for photography with others and opening a dialogue to new perspectives is an exhilarating feeling; a feeling that Sam got to bask in. After putting the work in, Sam finally made it happen: he organized the very first art exhibition in the township Masiphumelele near Cape Town. Thoughtfully named “Identity in Art”, the overall theme of the exhibition was focused on placing the community front and center. They wanted to bring forth what “identity” meant to these artists. Through art, spectators could take a sneak peak of what was going on in the lives, culture, and minds of the artists.
Opening up the first exhibition this neighborhood has ever seen was surely no easy feat, where did Sam find his encouragement in tough times?
“The inspiration was the community itself. Every time I hit an obstacle I’d remind myself why I was doing what I was doing; it was for the people, it wasn’t just for myself anymore. I believe a good artist is someone who uses their life experiences in their art, to create something meaningful out of it. The moment I saw the need to give artists the exposure that they deserved, I wasn’t going to let anything stop me from opening the exhibition.”
5. Lay down the foundation for a new future
Thanks to Sam’s efforts, he planted the first seed that will grow into a majestic tree in the future. He helped change how this township viewed the arts and made a way for it to be more accessible to them. The time and dedication Sam and his team members put into the exhibition have created a remarkable foundation for fostering artistic expression and community engagement. They planted hope in the hearts of the community that they can, and will, thrive in not only the arts, but in all that they wish to accomplish.
“What we have created here is only the beginning of a yearly tradition that will continue to grow and enrich the community for years to come. I am very hopeful for the future of arts in the community. This experience has not only enriched my professional portfolio but has also shaped my personal outlook. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful project and I am overjoyed to have been a part of it from the very beginning. I am excited to witness the growth and impact of this initiative in the years to come and look forward to contributing to its continued success.”
Make an Impact with Your Next Internship
Is Sam’s story lighting up a fire inside you to make an impact as well? Whether it’s photography or any other field, you can also spark a change by interning with a nonprofit. At Roots Interns, we are dedicated to connecting interns with their ideal internship that matches their interests and needs. Offering positions both abroad and remotely, with a variety of fields to choose from, there’s a world of opportunities waiting for you.
One of the many reasons for interning with an NGO is the chance to contribute to a meaningful cause while gaining valuable skills and experience. We’re committed to working with dedicated nonprofits and startups that are working towards the UN SDGs. By joining our community, you’ll not only be advancing your career, but also making a positive impact on the world.
Browse Through All Our Available Internships Abroad
How to Apply for Photography Internships
Ready to begin your impactful journey with an internship? If you have a passion for capturing life’s essence through your camera lens, you can take your shot at humanitarian photography just like Sam did. Or perhaps you want to travel abroad and produce photographs of breathtaking landscapes through an outdoor internship. You can explore our Wildlife photography internships to capture animals in their natural environment. Whichever peaks your interest, get started by reaching out to the Roots team to find your ideal internship.
Apply Now for a Photography Internship
Blog written by Adelis L. Álvarez
