Everyday Education: How a photography project in Africa became a movement

Thirty-seven days, four countries and 21 schools. From Johannesburg to Tanzania via Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, #EverydayEducation was a mission by photographers Rebecca Crook, Sameer Satchu and Zach Louw to share the stories of educators and students in Southern Africa through photography – and to celebrate the determination of those learning and teaching, despite the challenges they face.

© Rebecca Ume Crook

© Rebecca Ume Crook

Born on a sunny afternoon in Cape Town, Rebecca was the brainchild behind the project. She said: "It’s no surprise that education is an area of debate and concern both in South Africa and around the globe. We criticise and blame our teachers, leaders and unions and implement ever-evolving reforms with copious amounts of money that never seem to realise the collective aim of improving student outcomes.”

Zach added: "Rebecca believes in the capability of innovative teachers and leaders to design learning experiences at a grassroots level from which systematic change can occur. She believes that for education to be a transformative journey for students around the world, we need a movement to respect and support educators. She converted us, and so our trip was born!"

As you can see from this small selection of photographs, there is a wealth of visual storytelling depicting the lives of students, parents and teachers. Zach added: "We hope that, as you scroll through our galleries, your perception of education in Africa – the place we call home – will change."

To follow the project, visit EyeEm where Rebecca, Sameer and Zach have set up a page, and use the hashtag #EverydayEducation to join the conversation.

Via direct submission | All images courtesy of © EverydayEducation.
Main image: © Rebecca Ume Crook

© Rebecca Ume Crook

© Rebecca Ume Crook

© Rebecca Ume Crook

© Rebecca Ume Crook

© EverydayEducation

© EverydayEducation

© Sam Vox

© Sam Vox

© Sam Vox

© Sam Vox

© EverydayEducation

© EverydayEducation

© EverydayEducation

© EverydayEducation

© Zach Louw

© Zach Louw

© Zach Louw

© Zach Louw

© Rebecca Ume Crook

© Rebecca Ume Crook

© Zach Louw

© Zach Louw

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