Canada Supports Photo Exhibit of Afghanistan Through Afghan Eyes

 “The world has seen many pictures of Afghanistan.” Crosbie told the graduates. “We wanted to see Afghanistan through Afghan eyes.”

 

The first cohort, funded by UNESCO, graduated in February 2010. In both rounds a total of 68 students participated in the classes, including 14 girls.

 

The classes were conducted by Aina Photo Agency, and run by Fahim Dashty, editor in chief of Kabul Weekly. The teachers, including myself, volunteered for the project, and conducted classes covering the basics of photography, camera techniques, Photoshop and the history of photography. 

 

The total cost of training was approximately $25,000 dollars (CAD). The Canadian Ambassador also visited Aina Photo Agency during the course.

 

In order to be eligible for the class, students needed to be high-school graduates, under 35 years old and have a basic command of English and computer skills. But most participants were students from Kabul University or other private tertiary schools.

 

The classes ran six days per week and also included practical parts such as photo-taking around Kabul.

 

 “We request the Canadian government continues its support for the idea, as small changes can make a big difference,” said Dashty.

 

Fifty photos taken by the graduates will be turned into a photography book. They’ll also be part of an exhibition shown in Kabul’s historic Babur Garden. There are plans to have an exhibition of the students’ photos, in Ottawa.

 

Aside from Kabul scenes, the exhibition will also include photographs from the Afghanistan’s provinces. They were taken by three students from the class, including two women, who spent a week traveling, thanks to financial support from Canada.

 

“Such training contributes to a professional press, which supports freedom of expression,” said Gulbudeen Ellham, the head teacher.

 

Some Afghan media outlets are now calling for the establishing of a press club for Afghan journalists in Kabul, modelled on the one recently opened in Kandahar.

 

Having decided to pull out the troops in 2011 Canada should start turning its attention to nation building aspects. Due to the Canadian troop deployment in Kandahar interest in that province is understandable. However in order for Canada to keep up its good reputation among Afghans Canada should expand on its non-military activities across Afghanistan equally.

 

Contributed by Ahmad Zia Kechkenni