Friday, December 17, 2010

The first time I went to Langa




The first time I went to Langa the kids hanging in my neck. It was in March, when I arrived in Cape Town. It was amazing! 

The free love I received from those kids was as a sign to me that one day I would teach them.

I came here with intention to teach photography to kids, to develop an inclusion visual project. Just 2 months ago, I could become reality this idea.

It was wonderful to see again those kids at Project Playground.

Ukonwaba Photo Club is one the best things happened to me in Cape Town.

The time I spent with the Kids from Langa was pretty pretty good. A special gift to me.

Thank you so much lovely kids and all news friends of Project Playground!









Ukonwaba Photo Club at EC English School!

In this week, Ukonwaba Photo Club went to EC English School in Cape Town!


Nicoletta, Director of Studies.



Danica, teacher.



Anita, Glória and Marion, students.



Glória, Paulo, students, and Anya, teacher.


Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Christmas closing at Project Playground

Last Saturday, It was Christmas closing at Project Playground. A big event. 

The amazing girls of dancing classes showed their vibrant African dance rhythm. The boys also played drums and danced frenetically. The movements and the beat are impressives. So energetic. Your body can't be stopped. Ask you to move.

Frida said to Mbulelo, the master of drums of Project Playground:  "... maybe I can found a dancing school". It was a joke, but I hope she does it! I would like to see here a Samba school with an African style. Will be original.

The carnival in Brazil started with Portugueses, the colonizers. They went to streets to play, dance, have fun. But the beat and movements of Samba come from the drums and rhythm of Africa. So it is very interesting for me to see here the roots of Samba in Brazil.

I love Samba. I love the sounds of drums! I love carnival street in Brazil! I would like to see here Mbulelo, Lungiswa (singing teacher) and their amazing girls and boys parading on the streets of Langa! I will get a lot of fun!!











Kids singing "We Are The World".
Pretty moment.


My short speech. When I said "I believe in the power of Love" and 
showed the phrase of my t-shirt "Love Can Change Our World".



Frida and Glória.



Monday, December 13, 2010

Exhibition in Langa







She was emotional when saw her neighbor on the photo.


Frida looking at the photos.




Books and pinhole camera on the table.


Kids seeing the book "Soweto" that will be use in advance class next year.


"Soweto", Jodi Bieber and "Amen", Jessica Hilltout.


"How to photograph absolutely everything", Tom Ang and
 Zwelethu Mthethwa, recognized south-african photographer.




I asked the people to choose the best photo for them.
Anele, my staff, chose these frames with a lots photos of Project Playground.
For her, the last months she worked there were as a dream.


Khany, my student, and her mother.
They chose the photo "Welcome to Langa", which one I appear.


He chose the blackground he grow up: on the streets.
He felt very proud to overcome this struggle reality.


Mapanya chose this photo due to body expression of the man giving his message... 
as a Hip Hop singer.
My favourite photo also!


Anathi, my student, and he chose the photo of Brenda, well-known singer, was born in Langa.


He chose this photo due to the light. For him, this photo says more than the composition.
He was touched by its.


Parents of Kwanele, my student. 
Of course (smiles), they chose the photo of "Mother from the church" took by their son.


She chose this one: her daughter in yoga class. 
She felt very proud to see her daughter. 


She was very happy when saw her house on the photo. Of course, she chose it.


She chose my photo. So sweet...






Hi!

The first goal was reached: to show the community to the community. Their life style, customs and culture. Now, our wish is to show Langa outside the borders. The world waits for us!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Project Playground, roots in Africa forever...


Frida, founder and manager of Project Playground.


Mapanya, manager of Project Playground Centre.


Mbulelo, drums teacher.


Lungiswa, singing teacher.


Kids of Mbulelo dancing the african beat from the drums.


Marianne, yoga teacher.


Thami, art teacher.


Dotty, my staff of photography class.
Thanks dear Dotty, my sweet brave girl!


Anele, my staff of photography class.
Thanks Anele. Go ahead!


We are the world!
We are the children!


I, Glória, founder of Ukonwaba Photo Club.


I want to say THANKS for all of you of Project Playground.

During that time, we were together, I learnt a lot and I enjoyed myself with you and the lovely kids. It was a caress to my soul, to my heart.

I always felt when I came to Africa one day I would like to do a volunteer job here, to create roots in Africa. I don't know to explain why... Just a feeling.  Now, this feeling, this dream becomes reality. I am grateful and happy for that.

I want to say I am impressed with the seriousness, professionalism and passion of all of you: the team of Project Playground.

I found TRUTH in Project Playground.

I found COLLECTIVE SPIRIT in Project Playground.

I found LOVE in Project Playground.

I believe:

LOVE IS POWER!


LOVE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!!


There is true love in this work.

I wish long live this fantastic job. 


LONG LIVE PROJECT PLAYGROUND!


LONG LIVE UKONWABA PHOTO CLUB!


From your sister Glória.


Thanks AFRICA!