At the Coalface

This paper aims to assess who benefits from community–university engagements and if a Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology can fulfill its well-known objectives. Reflections on a studio-based project facilitated with residents—from two informal settlements located in Gugulethu, Cape Town—show that under certain circumstances it cannot be assumed that community partners benefit from PAR-led engagements. Findings spotlight some of the limitations of service learning and PAR that warrant identifying recommendations to better equip students for future engagements. Findings also highlight some of the difficulties of working with “gatekeepers” for information and of facilitating partnerships with economically stressed communities.