As mentioned in the last blog, I decided to begin our Photography in Black and White project, to focus on the children's self-esteem, confidence and self-love. In a word, empowerment.
Because we have had intermittent signals, I was able to process our photos last night - no internet is needed. Even the staff agreed to this project, as the excitement around WWC has been palpable.
In each image, I asked the children what they wanted to express with their individual photos. They really didn't have to think too much about this. The fact that this project was about them, not the infrastructure, the kuku, the doing chores etc... made it pretty easy. Each child got my full attention, without anyone disrupting the process. Each waited patiently for their turn. Further, Black and White was selected unanimously as the medium for this project, something I find very interesting. Every child wanted to do the same theme, wrapped in Maasai shukas.
I asked them: What do you want to see in your picture? It's my job to make sure I do what you want. If you don't like what you see, we will keep taking pictures until you do.
In chronological order
Faith
"I want to be just me"
Tiffan
"My Smile. It is for Auntie Emma"
Sheila
"I want to be an artist"
Josie
"I want my sponsor to see I love her"
Njeri
"I don't like my pictures."
(Njeri loves her picture being taken, by the way)
Me: "Kwanini? Wewe ni mrembo!" (Why, you are beautiful!)
We had to take quite a few images before Njeri was satisfied.
"This one, Auntie Simmie. This one is good." "Asante, Njeri"
Catho
"I want Auntie Susan to know I love her. Please tell her to come back."
Tabitha
"Can I be happy? Can I be sad?"
"Yes, you can be anything you want."
"I don't feel like being happy." Me: "Then don't smile."
Loise
While Loise could not communicate what she wanted in words, the way I perceived her acceptance of this image is, she is safe. She wrapped herself tightly in the shuka and gave me a contented look. It's what I had hoped to see.
Brian
"Easy, Auntie Simmie! I am GOOD"
Vivian
"What are you thinking, Vivian?" She smiled, as always.
"What makes you happy about you?"
"You, Auntie Simmie"
Rophan
"I am shy"
Pastor Pete
"Auntie Simmie, show how responsible I am."
"Sawa. Is this one ok?"
"Very!"
Jacinta
Laughing, Jacinta at first couldn't take this seriously.
"Jacinta, what do you love most about yourself?"
"I am happy"
Grace
"I am respectful"
"Yes, you always are!"
Frida
"I am beautiful, just like you said, Auntie Simmie"
Mundia
"Mundia, what are you thinking?" "Hakuna"
"That's not possible, everyone is always thinking something."
"I see what you are thinking. You're just cool"
Mundia: "Yes, of course"
Our remaining three children are not at home at the moment, each are in boarding school.
"Can we do this again?" was the question everyone asked. We will not only do it again, we will continue talking and shooting pictures; in the process, I am teaching some of the older ones how to use the cameras. It's tough for me to let go of my own camera without having complete anxiety over fingerprints and breakage, but I must. It's the only way they can learn.
Lots of love from Watoto World Center ~ tuonane kesho!
Much love,
Simmie, Vivian and Josie
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