This 5 day photo workshop in Myanmar will give cameras and basic photo skills to civil war orphans and children whose parents are unable to care for them due to drug misuse. The MY STORY photo project will work with approximately 10 children, ages 10 - 12, and their teachers, giving them the creative means to tell their stories while having some fun. Teachers will then be able to pass on these photographic skills to other orphans.
The orphanages we will be working with, Shatrapu and Dukahtawng, are community-run organizations founded in response to a state failure to provide for these children. With little funding, the organizations struggle to provide basic shelter, food, and education. This project will give participants the ability to create something of their own and to exhibit their work in Canada and on the web.
By giving children the tools to create their own narrative and show it on a broad platform, the project will empower their sense of self-esteem and self-worth.
Orphans leave the orphanage at age 16 with slim job opportunities. The project tries to give students the means to contribute to their community, both practically (documentation) and creatively. Potential for income generation: Images from the workshop will be exhibited and sold at the MY STORY photo project annual exhibition in Canada. Proceeds from the sale are split 50/50 beween the photographer and the project ( for purchase of new cameras).
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
