21 Sep 2022

A total of 20 youth from Bana Ba Letsatsi, a Maun-based NGO, have graduated from a photo camp directed by the National Geographic Institute.

The photo camp, which was the first of its kind in Maun, targeted youth from vulnerable backgrounds, who went through a week-long photography and storytelling training.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the camp on September 20, National Geographic Institute CEO, Ms Jill Tiefenthaler stated that the photo camp was meant to document stories of the people of Okavango through stories told by the young people.

She said the exercise inspired young people to find their own voice through photography as they explored the parts of the Okavango Delta.

Ms Tiefenthaler said the outcome was amazing, ‘to see the joy and pride in the young people’s faces as they saw and heard their own voices in photographs and videos was remarkable.’’

She said the institute continued to support young people through partnerships that they had forged in Botswana through several organisations and schools.

She stated that the aim was for youth to be inspired and pursue photography if it was their passion while the training would help others find their voice and build confidence.

Photo Camp instructor, Mr Federico Pardo said the skills imparted on the youth would help them in future if they wanted to explore a career in photography or storytelling.

‘’It is a starting point for something that may become a career or a tool for their families or region to shine light on Ngamiland through storytelling,” he said.

He highlighted that despite the fact that many of the learners had never touched cameras befrore, they showed passion and enthusiasm to learn, which helped them produce amazing pictures and videos.

Mr Federico said they allowed learners to interact with local communities because the people had many stories worth telling .

One of the learners, Ms Angel Goabaone thanked National Geographic Institute for according them the opportunity to tell their stories through photography.

She said they learnt a lot during the week’s training, adding that she was now confident enough to tell her own story.

She cherished the wonderful experience offered by well-accomplished experts who had traversed the world telling stories.

“It ignited the passion that I didn’t know I had, from here I will be using my camera to apply skills learnt.’’ Ends