Photographing in Shalom

It was already years ago. I was doing a night shift in the children home I work now too. My mon called me to open tv, and what I saw was a documentary that changed my life in a way. I saw something I would really like to do. As my three passions were combined in it: India, Aid work and photography. Documentary was based on a project called Kids With Cameras. It was founded by Zana Briski, who was teaching photography for children in Kolkatas red light district. The aim is to empower the children through photography in order to build their confidence and self-esteem. More of the project at: http://www.kids-with-cameras.org/

ALready in Finland before my latest trip to India on 2008 I sent the word through the beloved Facebook to get some old film cameras as donations. I i did get few..all together 20 cameras!

IN Shalom hardly any of the girls had ever used a camera. And actually, hardly any of them had much photos of themselves at all. So we started with me taking plenty of photos of them. Oh how happy they became. Girls could watch their photos for hours. They put those in their bags and got it out again and showing those for each other. They were proud of them selves and of their friends in the photos. They were seen. That was my aim too. To really see the true beauty on these girls, who were not that appreciated in their society.

And when they got the cameras in their hands they were thrilled! We did not get so much done with the teaching but when walking around taking photoes they were on fire. And when we got the photos printed they were proud of each and every one.

Even though these girls might not become professors and get all the skills others have the priviledge to get, it doesnt mean they could not be a similar part of society as all of us. They just need to be seen as they are. As loving, capable Girls.

I am happy to tell them that their photos were seen and they were also seen and named in the photos I took. And how much everybody liked them. They will be proud as am I.

Shalom Centre

Oh mine. The preparations for the Next Move are coming. This to tell you a little about my project going on right now.

There is sweet little school called SHALOM in Madurai, southern India. It is aimed for menatlly challenged girls, aged 15+. Girls in this age are in a vulnerable situation if left home alone.

Life for mentally challenged is not so easy for people with disabilities in India. They are not encouraged to go to school and are hardly ever employed and if they are, in very low paid jobs.

Shalom gives basic education on literacy and numeracy as well teaches handicrafts, drawing and especially Dance. Shalom also tried to teach the basic things like shopping, cooking etc.

There is right now a photo exhibition going on of Shalom in Finland, and photos are also seen online at : http://sundarsansarphoto.blogspot.com

Please visit!!