Photos of Hope and Courage
A photograph can speak a thousand words.
It can show that you do not
require the most sophisticated cameras to capture the true essence of
a scenery. It can also show that you do not need to be a professional to
make poetry out of an everyday activity. And, most importantly, it
can show that children with no means or exposure can wield their cameras
like paint brushes and create masterpieces out of the drudgeries of
life.
The idea of using photography as a
means of honing children's creativity hit Kathy in 2003 when she
started with Joseline who was 8 years old then. Kathy knew the idea
would be a hit but had never imagined how well it would actually work
out. After all, these kids were not your average carefree symbols of
happiness, plied with the latest gadgets and toys.
The kids that EI
works with live an extremely harsh life in the most shockingly poor
conditions. They do not have the simplest necessities of life like
safe homes or running water, leave alone electronics gadgets like
digital cameras. Besides, this photography program was to be started
for the most at-risk kids, the ones who had the highest chances of
defaulting.
Still, the experiment began in an
organized way in July, 2007 in the filthy slums of Granada with 15
nervous students. The beginning was jittery with most students
finding it hard to hold the camera steady. But, amazing though it may
sound, few of these kids who had never before held a camera managed
to create unbelievably artistic shots within half an hour of the
first class! This goes on to show that talent and hard work always
persist over the worst conditions and the least resources.
As can be imagined, the photography
workshop leader was thrilled with the results. The pictures were not
jut simple snapshots of any still life but carefully framed posters
of the most ordinary objects made extraordinary by their unique
points of capture.
After about a week of classes, 8 dedicated
students were short-listed for the program. They were taught in two
batches and timing was adjusted to suit their school schedules. The
progress of these 8 kids has been very inspiring. Their photographs
posted on Flickr have generated some of the most appreciative comments and numerous
"awards".
The only male in the photography
classes is Colochon.
This 15 year old boy is not only one of the most creative in the
class but also the most at risk of moving on to the other side of
law. With a recent loss of his father and a very real possibility of
getting hooked to gangs and illegal activities, photography seems to
be one of the only positive aspects of his life. Extremely passionate
and creative, this lad could easily go places if shown the right
direction.
He surprised everyone with his sensitivity when he
suggested the idea of shooting elderly homeless people and child
workers to raise awareness about them. This idea is to be one of the
next EI projects in June. Advanced classes will be offered to him and
other interested kids in summer.
It has been statistically determined
that most female participants in the EI program (and in Nicaragua in
general) often drop out by the time they are around thirteen years
old, putting this category of participants at high risk. Photography,
thus, became an engaging attraction for these kids who stayed on due
to the innovative classes offered.
Joseline was the first unofficial
participant. She started out by taking photos of kids entering the
program as founder Kathy Adams interviewed them. She has matured into
a phenomenal photographer and an excellent student who is still very
much with EI. Just like her, several other kids, who might have cut
short their education, have been tempted into sticking with the
program. Photography has become the most loved extra-curricular
activity that helps the kids channel their creative energies into
timeless creations.
What is absolutely delightful is that
these kids try to go beyond the usual technicalities and look deep
into the soul of the scenery. A flower becomes a striking portrait. A pup transforms into the symbol of their sad lives. Fruits change into colorful paintings.Tractors convert into dusty compositions of harvest. A sunrise becomes a light from heaven. A leaf changes into a canvas for shadow play.
The heart wrenching conditions of
existence of these children are completely contrasted by the sheer
magnificence of their lovely photographs. Every photo shows a mind
crying out to have better opportunities and a heart determined to
change the misery of life. Just look at the world through the eyes of
the photographers and you see stories of hope amidst misery and
courage in the face of devastation.
By Neha Singh
