New Beginning New Methodology 2012

In the beginning of February, Anele Ngoko joined our group. He is the new teacher of Ukonwaba Photo Club.

Anele brought the new idea of methodology, namely, to allow the kids shoot freely without any theory class before. So the discussion will be, firstly, about the motivations made the kids have frozen certain image. Then and together it will be taught the elements of composition.

That methodology has the advantage to discover the own natural talents of the kids, their own interests and photographic eyes. Then the classes will be based on the photos taken by the kids, encouraging them explore their own themes and photographic languages.

It is a new methodology we are going to experience to keep the kids motivate to photo classes and, mainly, to stimulate the kids to believe in their own ability to create, thus building confidence.

Anele, the new teacher

Anele talking about the motivations of the image

and discussing the composition of Anathi's photo

Anathi, 12 years old

Taken by Anathi

Xolisa, 15 years old

Wow! The camera was not set yet... The right date is 2012...

Mistakes happen even with the best photographers (laughs)

New teens 2012

Back to Langa after a year

After a year, I came back to Langa to visit the lovely kids and the staffs of Project Playground, my friends. It was an intense and special emotion have seen them again.

The creation of Ukowaba Photo Club in November 2010 was really an unique moment. Project Playground was in the beginning of its activities. I had the great pleasure of take part in it. Everybody very excited and engaged, passionately and professionally, in making the project a sucess on behalf of the children. So beautiful have seen it... It makes me feel hope again. The generosity of human beings is alive!

Back now I relived a little of that magic moment of the foundation of Project Playground. Now even more happy to see the growth of the project. New activities as mountain bike class. The creation of Play on Wheels for kids with physical disabilities. The food being served to children before going home. And the best of all:

It is amazing to see these kids so happy... so feeling they are loved... they belong to the world. The world is theirs!

Michelle Glória