It started with a simple question: What if the students conducted the interviews? Not the teachers, not the school management - but us. The ones who sit in the classrooms every day, walk the corridors and make this school what it is.
How it all began
In 2024, the DSJ Schulcast was born at the German International School Johannesburg. The idea was simple: students deserve a voice. Not just in the student council or at parent-teacher evenings - but a real platform where they can ask questions, tell stories and share perspectives.
The first episode wasn't a perfectly produced radio show. It was Sorour Keramat reading her short story "Die Endstation" - a moving tale about flight and displacement. No interview, no format. Just a student who had something to say.
What makes Schulcast special
A lot has happened since then. Over 15 episodes. Conversations with teachers, principals, scientists and fascinating personalities. From Prof. Dr. Nida-Rümelin to Dr. Florian Sochatzy to our own DSJ board - the range of our guests reflects what drives us: curiosity.
But the Schulcast is more than a collection of interviews. It's a place where the DSJ community comes together. Where farewell interviews with teachers have just as much of a place as reports from the primary school's colourful evening. Where the Soweto Uprising Youth Day is just as much a topic as self-directed learning.
Who's behind it?
Behind the Schulcast is a small but dedicated team. Maya Valverde and Emma Morgan Allais as Editors-in-Chief, Andy Diesel as Storytelling Coach - and Dennis Forbes as founder and mentor. Together, we take care of everything: from topic research to recording to editing and publishing.
And that's exactly the point: everything is made by students. 100%. The adults support, but the voice belongs to us.
Why this blog post?
We wanted to pause for a moment. To explain where we come from, what drives us and where we're headed. Because with over 15 episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube, we're now more than a school project. We're the podcast of the DSJ community.
And we're just getting started.
If you'd like to be part of it - as a guest, team member or with a topic suggestion - get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.