Transforming Lives Through the Lens.
By Hillary Murani
Amid the bustling streets of Kenya’s sprawling slums, a remarkable initiative illuminates the path for vulnerable youth. This innovative program offers these young souls an opportunity to transcend the confines of their challenging circumstances and gain vital skills. Through the lens of photography, it paves the way for a brighter, more promising future.
Photo start, a solution-driven program seeks to address their predicament, providing education and opportunities for students to express themselves, document their lives, and develop essential 21st-century skills. It’s not just about capturing images; it’s about capitalizing on new opportunities for learning and earning while instilling self-leadership and mentorship qualities.
Felix Ragen, a 24-year-old participant in the Simama CBO photography and education program, has experienced a profound transformation in his life. Engaging in photography has not only enhanced his personal growth but also instilled a greater sense of responsibility. His perspective on the world has undergone a significant shift, and he now generates income from his passion for capturing moments.
Overcoming the challenge of not having his own camera, Felix has found support from the program, which provides him with necessary equipment. He has honed his problem-solving abilities, thanks to photography, and has significantly enhanced his training skills through the Training of Trainers program.
He has acquired valuable skills in training facilitation, which he believes will be an asset for his future endeavours. He contributes to documenting stories in his community, conducts photography boot-camps for students, and mentors others.
Economically, Felix and his fellow participants now have a sense of financial security through their photography endeavours. They actively contribute to the community and have witnessed the positive impact of their work. He envisions a promising career in photography, film, and storytelling, and he is committed to giving back to the community.
“Photography transformed me, fostering personal growth and responsibility. I now earn a living, mentor, document stories, and envision a promising future.” Felix
Since its inception in 2016, the program has spread its wings, partnering with four countries and enrolling 148 new students in the first quarter of this year. Offering over 320 hours of classes in photography and digital media, it empowers young people to build confidence, self-esteem, and explore their creative passions. Silvia, Photo Start’s COO in Johannesburg, underscores their individualized approach, swift adaptability, and holistic assessment of global initiatives. She emphasizes their flexibility, evident in transitioning to online programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their strong commitment to global education improvement.
The results of these efforts are clear. The progress and achievements of students tell a compelling story of resilience, passion, and the ability to make a difference.
Nelius Otieno, a 20-year-old participant from Simama CBO, also describes the program as transformational. It has emboldened him to capture inspiring photographs and introduced him to remarkable individuals. Nelius has honed his leadership and networking skills, significantly improving his personal growth. The program has enabled him to combine his photography prowess with essential skills, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in photography. Nelius has ventured into new economic opportunities, actively participating in community projects and mentoring others. He envisions a future as a full-time photographer and editor, showcasing the beauty of Kibera and Nairobi.
Nelius emphasizes the program’s accessibility and the importance of sharing knowledge with others interested in photography and visual storytelling. His advice to others facing similar challenges is to be patient, practice, and recognize that photography opens many doors for expression.
“Participating in the program transformed my life. It enhanced my leadership and networking skills, helping me overcome challenges. I’ve ventured into new economic opportunities, shared knowledge, and empowered youth through photography education. I’m achieving success by expanding my photography expertise.” Nelius
But beyond the numbers, this program offers valuable insights, teaching not just photography but also the significance of community involvement and peer support. It’s a multifaceted strategy that makes a meaningful impact on both individuals and the broader community, exemplifying the power of sustainable solutions for social change. With a commitment to long-term partnerships and an “Each One, Teach One” initiative, this program ensures that its impact continues to grow and empower local communities.
Global Head of Programming,Jeri Muchura, shares, “Photo Start’s teaching methods are fostering remarkable success stories, transcending borders to empower students with vital life skills and unshakable confidence. Graduates are becoming community leaders and artistic talents gain recognition globally. This unique approach thrives on tailored curriculum, partnerships, and peer mentorship. Continuous feedback ensures adaptability, while cross-cultural exchange enriches experiences. Photo Start’s commitment to global youth empowerment continues to inspire.” Jeri
Jimmy Ochichi, a 29-year-old participant in Kibra Film, emphasizes the program’s incredible impact on his life. He now has the confidence to teach different age groups and deliver compelling storytelling through photography. Jimmy has developed photography skills and the ability to operate different camera types. He creates content through visual storytelling and plans to offer photography training services in the community.
His experience includes teaching sessions, community involvement, and initiating positive changes through his photography. He aims to become a content creator and believes in passing on the knowledge to future generations. Jimmy’s advice to others is to be committed to the program and recognize the potential of photography as a skill that pays well and can be beneficial to them.
“I gained the courage to teach different age groups through photography. Storytelling is valuable; it changed my career from acting to skilled photography. I can now create content, train others, and make a positive impact.” Jimmy
In this global photography program, the focus is on empowering local partner organizations with sustainable solutions that transform students into effective change-makers. The model promotes digital and visual literacy, life skills, and entrepreneurship, tailoring the program to various needs and financial backgrounds. It’s a teaching approach that has proven successful in various settings, emphasizing the importance of hands-on, multi-sensory learning experiences.
Victor Otieno, a 20-year-old participant in Imarika Youth, shares that the program has enabled him to sustain his needs through photography, enhancing his ability to compose photos and train others. He’s overcome barriers like camera access, broadened his creative horizons, and developed an eye for photography.
Victor leverages his expertise to earn income as a freelance editor, grow his personal brand, and offer photography training services. He believes in sharing community stories through photography and community involvement. He has worked with various organizations and mentored students. Victor aspires to be one of the best photographers in Nairobi and emphasizes the program’s free, comprehensive photography education.
“This program changed my perspective, improved my photography skills, and gave me confidence to teach and create. I now envision a full-time photography and editing career, showcasing the beauty of Kibera.” Victor
In 2019, according UNFPA Kenya, Kenya’s demographic landscape is predominantly youthful, with those below the age of 15 constituting 39 percent of the population. The 2019 census also revealed that Kenya’s labour force, encompassing individuals aged 15 to 64, comprises 57 percent of the total population, while the youth demographic accounts for 29 percent.
As the Project Manager at Photo Start in Nairobi, Elizabeth Mwathi serves as the vital bridge connecting team members across different locations, contributing significantly to the efficiency and success of the initiative. In this multifaceted role, Elizabeth encounters various challenges. ‘’One of the primary challenges is ensuring that all involved parties adhere to established processes and systems. Managing multiple tasks concurrently, collecting and disseminating relevant information within specified time frames can be a demanding task.’’ Elizabeth.
However, Elizabeth emphasizes that while these challenges exist, they are not insurmountable. The key to overcoming these hurdles lies in the establishment and maintenance of robust systems to streamline operations and ensure the initiative’s success.
Kenyan youth face a disproportionate impact of poor employment opportunities and low productivity, evident in the low labour force participation rate of 38% among those aged 15 to 24. The annual influx of new entrants into the job market surpasses the economy’s capacity to absorb them productively. Many young people lack the necessary work experience and essential cognitive, technical, socio-emotional, and business skills for productivity,according to the World Bank.
The story that emerges is one of resilience, passion, and the transformational power of education and creativity for vulnerable youth in Kenya’s slums and beyond.
The images featured in this article showcase the artistic creations of photography students from across the globe, from Photo Start programs.
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