Together with Quentin Kayser from France, she has been facilitating photography workshops in which three financially disadvantaged children and one orphan, ages eleven to fourteen, have the opportunity to learn camera basics as well as more advanced methods such as lighting, perspective, framing, and orientation. With the goal of using photography as a tool to create change, Kelly and Kayser have been encouraging the children to recognize both the beauty and destruction that surrounds them.
“I think Quentin and I have learned more about ourselves and the culture of Tanzania throughout this process than we had anticipated. The kids are teeming with talent and photography has become a way for them to express their personal experiences. It has been a true pleasure to see Africa through their eyes,” says Kelly. In a few weeks, the children will be sending photo essays to the President of Tanzania asking him to recognize the need for improvement in areas such as education, clean water, and more accessible health care.
In mid November, Kelly and Kayser will be organizing an exhibition in Bukoba to showcase the children’s photographs. “It is magic to witness the progress of the kids, but it’s important to realize that none of this could be possible without the dedication of our translator Mr. Mutta. While he brings an enthusiasm for learning to the class, he is also acquiring the necessary skills to teach photography to other children once we leave the country,” says Kayser.
Kelly and Kayser hope to sell the photos and use all proceeds to enable the four children to pursue higher education. In Tanzania, children are required to pay a fee for their schooling beyond age fourteen. It is often the case that families are unable to afford the expense of education and children are forced to take-up low-paying jobs in the community. “Being educated has the potential to open the door to positions of power where the children may have the authority to create positive change within the world at large,” says Kelly.
If you’re interested in learning more about the photography workshop in Tanzania you can visit:
http://web.mac.com/deidre...ite/photo%20workshop.html
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