The project that trains young people from disadvantaged communities to be photographers and video journalists is part of Sony's collaboration with FIFA on corporate social responsibility and will be implemented through Football for Hope, the movement led by FIFA and streetfootballworld.
Hillside Digital identifies young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds and equips them with the knowledge and skills required to become part of its community production units. Through filming and screening their videos, the participants will provide a ‘voice' to the communities that they represent.
Its training covers all aspects of video journalism and citizen activism and it aims to increase social change from accountability to improved service delivery and social cohesion - made possible by citizen video journalism production units, which will expand across Africa.
Ntombi Nongauza, a trainee from Khayelitsha, said that she would like to “uncover the stories of people in poor communities like the one I come from. There are many issues facing our communities, like drugs, HIV/AIDS and shortage of housing and these stories need to be told.”
In each area where it operates, it co-ordinates with the relevant area's key role players to make an impact in the region. NGOs, development forums, political representatives, local authorities and community leaders will assist with the implementation of a ‘plan of action' inspired by the community through the video advocacy screenings.
