Tsunami children become photographers
Photographers - 20/12/2006 17:06:22
Children who survived the tsunami that devastated Asia on Boxing Day 2004 have become photographers at an exhibition designed to showcase their lives.
It is claimed that the 106 photographs on display from 144 children, who were effected by the tidal wave that swept inland and destroyed whole communities, represent both pain and healing.
Thanks to the InSIGHT Out! Creative Workshop and Exchange, a photography and writing scheme launched in Asia, many of these children have been able to record their recovery from the disaster in a series of pictures.
Jeanne Hallacy, a journalist based in Asia and director of the project, has said that many of the children have used their photography as an outlet for the emotions, hopes and fears.
Ms Hallacy said: "We got it all wrong. It wasn't really about the tsunami. It was a window in which these kids showed us what they wanted to say about themselves, their families, their dreams.
"We are not the teachers here. Through their extraordinary images and stories, these kids taught adults."
The photographs are currently on display at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand, where professional photographers and members of the public alike have been left "in awe" by the "beauty and honesty of the work", according to photo editor Suthep Kritsanavarin.
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