Myanmar refugee youths depict daily life through photography

THE “Everyone Has Hope” exhibition at The Cube Gallery, Ampang, showcased photographs taken by nine Myanmar refugee youths over an eight month period.

Initiated in 2009 by Taylor’s College’s Canadian Pre-University (CPU) programme, the exhibition is an annual photography project involving these youths aged between 13 and 16 years old living in Kuala Lumpur.

This project aims to teach Myanmar refugee youths from the Alliance of Chin Refugees (ACR) Learning Centre to utilise the art of photography to document their daily lives and experiences.

The launch of the photo exhibition was well attended by members of the public, college students and staff.

Photos of life: Marina (front row, centre) with the team.

 

The guest speaker for the event, Datin Marina Mahathir, applauded the initiative and encouraged the college to continue organising more of such activities.

The photo exhibition was open for free public viewing from April 15 to 27.

More than 200 photographs were showcased at the exhibition which gave visitors the opportunity to not only view but also support these Myanmar youths by purchasing the photographs.

The opening night successfully raised a total of RM3,000 from the auction of the photographs which ranged from RM25 to RM500.

The proceeds benefited the ACR Learning Centre and used to aid with the programme’s operating costs that includes field trips, cameras and educational materials.

Inspired by the American documentary, “Born into brothels”, this photography project attempts to bring to light the realities faced by the Myanmar refugees living in transit in Kuala Lumpur.

The college’s CPU teacher and founder of the project, Colin Boyd Shafer explained that the project’s mission was to provide an avenue for self-expression through art for the Myanmar youths and, at the same time, raise awareness amongst the public of their plight as refugees.

“These youths are naturally inquisitive and creative and through this project, we want to nurture and promote these qualities.

“The exhibition features selected photographs that were unique, enlightening and offer realistic depictions of life as a refugee child in Malaysia.

“The chosen photographs served not only to illustrate the despair felt but also portray victory of humanity over harsh times,” he added.

“CPU students chose to volunteer for the project as part of their 10-hour community service requirement.

“However, once they were aware of the refugee situation, they continued helming the project in the hope of creating a difference in their lives.

“The project has provided many students with real hands on learning experience, and it has allowed local students to mix with disadvantaged youths living in this country”, said Shafer.

With the help of CPU staff and local professional photographers, students volunteered their weekends to the Alliance of Chin Refugees (ACR) Learning Centre.

Apart from helping the Myanmar youths to detail their lives through photography, the students also exposed them to different subject matters such as singing and fine art.

Other activities included field trips to well-known attractions such as the Kuala Lumpur Zoo and Batu Caves, visits to prominent photography displays such as the recent World Press Exhibition and attending a workshop by New York Times photographer Justin Mott.

Since its inception two years ago, the project has successfully raised a total of RM15,000 for the ACR Learning Centre.

For more information, call 03-5636 2641, email taylorscollege@taylors.edu.my or visit www.taylors.edu.my.

Source : TheStar