|
Back to Index
Perceptions
from The Child’s Eye - An exhibition of photographs and writing
by children and youth from the suburbs of Harare
Child
Protection Society (CPS)
July 27, 2004
An insightful
and remarkable exhibition that explores the realities of children’s
lives in the suburbs of Harare is taking place at the Book Café
on the evening of Monday 02 August 2004 from 5:30 – 8:00 pm. The
exhibition, entitled "Perceptions from the Child’s Eye",
is spectacular in that it focuses on photographs taken by the children
themselves, with the children’s own words adding insight and depth
to the visual images.
This photographic
project has been undertaken as part of Child Protection Society’s
community based and youth development programming. Child Protection
Society (CPS) is a local non-governmental organization that was
established in 1952 to promote the rights of children in difficult
circumstances in Zimbabwe.
In recognition
of child participation principles, ten youth were taught the basics
of photography, given cameras and black and white film, and led
through various writing and photography assignments. These assignments
asked the youth to visually and literally reflect and comment on
the realities of their lives. The youth’s work vividly encompasses
their humour, sadness, love, and joy, along with the entire spectrum
of emotions.
The exhibition
is wonderful in that it is one of the few opportunities for children
to express themselves in the public realm. Often adults, and most
likely outsiders, take the photographs that we see of children living
in difficult circumstances. These photographs are special in that
they are taken by the children themselves, insiders to their communities
and lives.
Adults so often
forget that children have remarkable capabilities. Through this
project, we are reminded how much the young people already know,
how much they are able to perceive and understand about their lives,
and how beautifully they can express themselves.
The exhibition
on the evening of August 2nd will also feature invited
guests speaking on the importance of child participation, live music,
and photographs documenting Child Protection Society’s work and
community taken by Child Protection Society staff. Entry is free
and all are welcome.
An exhibition
of the work will also be happening in Highfield on Saturday 31 July
2004 as part of the Child Protection Society’s Youth Group Gala
at Mhofu Primary School. It will be open from 10:00am – 2:00pm.
Child Protection
Society’s vision is "a child-friendly community, which facilitates
the achievement of full potential for every child."
It is hoped that this exhibition will not only raise awareness on
the situations facing children in Harare, but also inspire viewers
with a similar vision for a "child-friendly community".
Supporters of
this project include the Lewis Hine Documentary Initiative, Strachan’s
Photographic, Catholic Relief Services/Zimbabwe – The STRIVE Project,
Swedish International Development Cooperative Agency (Sida), United
States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Bernard
van Leer Foundation.
Visit the Child Protection
Society fact
sheet
Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.
TOP
|
