My life wasn't good. Throughout my youth, I always had tears in my life, but I knew somehow I would make it, I did my best to be who I am, and I am proud of myself, because nothing can stop me from moving forward. That’s why even now I am still studying to build and secure my future, even if is not easy. But I hope everything will be fine. YES I CAN!

My name is Linda, I was born in February 1988 into a family of 8 children – 5 girls and 3 boys. I’ve been married to Mr. Junior since 2016, and I have one girl of 3 three years and one of 9 months. I’m from the Democratic Republic of Congo, but I live in South Africa with my husband and my daughters.

With our research project ‘Engaged Scholarship and Narratives of Change’, we are committed to building a community of people who dedicate their academic, professional and/or personal lives to engaged scholarship. To keep you up-to-date about the latest developments within the project, we have started this series of newsletters.

We are honored to welcome Phoebe to our team! She is an African feminist scholar, a black academic, a nomadic subject, and a great friend who fights for social justice. With a vast experience in community engagement and art practices, Phoebe has now joined us as a co-promoter for the South African context and critical supporter for the overall project. Read Mimi’s interview with Phoebe to know more about her background, her experience with the FeesMustFall movement, and her moving engagement with marginalized communities in South Africa.

Hello! Ellade in Luganda! Nigahi in Runyankole Rukiga, my language 😀 I am a proud single mother of 1 child, currently living in Port Elizabeth. I’ve been self-employed now for 6 years, I’m from Uganda, and I work hard to support my family. Not everything has been easy since my childhood. I was born and raised by a single mother and l grew up struggling, until l decided to come to South Africa for greener pastures, so that l can support myself and my family back in Uganda. I hope one day my dreams will come true, and l will make it by God's Grace. Here in South Africa, we are in lockdown, trying to fight this coronavirus, but with God’s grace, we are going to fight back! That’s me, mama Anitah!

On March 27 2022 at 14:00h, the exhibition LIMBO is opening with a queer program. LIMBO is an exhibition created as an accumulation of content made during a workshop series for and by queer/refugee/migrant community organizers & artists. LIMBO is a creative research collaboration between Framer Framed, Refugee Academy (VU Amsterdam), Alaa Ammar for psychological first aid and queer/refugee/migrant community organizers & artists.

Bonjour! I’m a lovely mother of three children and married to a lovely person. I'm from the Congo. I arrived in South Africa 11 years ago, and I’m not working at the moment. I'm the first child of my mom and I have four siblings and a stepfather. I studied accounting in Congo Kinshasa. I wish to study how to cook more recipes, and I want to become a chef. I hope to get the opportunity to study and work. I know one day I will!

More and more, the societal implications of scientific research and the associated responsibility of the researcher is being stressed and rethought. Engaged scholarship is one way in which scholars approach doing research and position their work within society. Yet, what does being an engaged scholar mean exactly? How is engaged scholarship approached from various disciplines and methodological traditions, and to what extent do these differ? What are the implications of the various shapes and forms in which engaged scholarship can be approached?

My name is Yoyotte – I’m self-employed, working independently in a hair salon here in Port Elizabeth. I’m a qualified nurse in the DRC, but due to the reality here [in South Africa] as a foreigner, I couldn’t find a job and so life was tough for me. Then, I decided to use what God has given me, so I decided to start my own business. Braiding hair is my passion, it’s like a gift God gave me, and this is why I’m using it. Like I said, I’m a certified nurse, but here in South Africa I also completed my certificate in Accounting Science and am currently doing daily financial accounting. I’m happily married and a mother of two. I’m a self-made woman who likes distinction in everything I do. I always push myself to be among the best. I detest humiliation, and this is why I give my best in everything, to be there… among the best! I know with the power of God, who made me who I am, I’m going to do good things. Amen! Thank you so much!

Hello everyone, my name is la femme Sounamite, I’m a congolaise married to a camerounais man, I’m the mother of 2 handsome boys, and we live in Port Elisabeth. La femme Sounamite… she is a hard worker and an independent woman; she has a small business to make a living, but also has a national [Congolese] diploma in hospitality. She has also worked in sewing and as a caregiver, all just trying to make a living. All her life she liked to commit, everything with God’s hand, and she also likes to socialize with other people. Thank you, and I'm not going to forget my PE ladies for their efforts, love and focus! ❤