Danmore Sithole - Changing Lenses

Danmore Sithole - Changing Lenses

Bridging the barriers in a global village
Integration converts barriers into opportunities that maximise and harmonise diverse people.
The passengers on the train, the bus, the drivers of these and the cars, all have different lives and experiences
but all enjoy the benefit of the bridge (integration) to their satisfaction at the same time.

 “Football creates the Team of the World”
The British premier league is the richest and most popular in the world. Footballers and supporters come from all over the world thus creating a form of global identity. Football brings people together, promoting communication and breaking the ice.

Barriers on London Bridge
These barriers, erected after the terrorist attack in 2017, stand as symbols of ideologies that hinder integration. Hence the need for everyone to be vigilant against divisive ideologies.

Rule of law as a value that promotes integration
Aluko - being a solicitor by profession besides being a professional footballer - used the legal system to fight the negative comments about her Nigerian heritage made about her by the powerful national women football team coach. Her knowledge of the system was very important since some of her team mates seem not to be on her side.

Institutions that support integration
Churches and other similar institutions promote integration as they provide one with a sense of belonging and a form of identity. Such institutions also provide space for “recuperating” for victims of exclusion.

Use of smile as a universal language
A smile is a two way interaction mechanism which even babies can use and understand. Sarah Menzies,  formerly of the Evelyn Oldfield Unit (EOU),  enabled me to “unfreeze” my  skills by endorsing  them, and  enabled me to acquire new skills and increase my social capital through applying my skills such as joining the Board of EOU. A welcoming gesture like a smile by a compassionate person like Sarah enables one to interact meaningfully with institutions in the receiving society.

Change is possible and can be immortalised
The Mandela statue reminds us that change is possible. He became a hero for spending 27 years in jail fighting for racial justice. He transformed himself - from being labelled a terrorist to a Nobel Peace Prize winner. Therefore with time we can all award ourselves Nobel prizes for our fight for integration.

These photos and accompanying writing were made as part of the Changing Lenses; London stories of Integration project. You can listen to my podcast for the project here: https://soundcloud.com/migrant-voice/danmore-sithole