Media Releases: 2006 | 2005 | 2004
Visible: A unique photo exhibition by Bangladeshi street children
On 21 January, the Bangladesh National Museum was filled with the cheer of Bangladeshi street children as the Australian High Commissioner HE Douglas Foskett inaugurated a unique photo exhibition by the street children titled “Visible”.
The Visible project uses photography as a means of empowering street children in Dhaka to give them the “social visibility” that they deserve but seldom receive. By showcasing photographs taken by the street children, and recording their own explanations and interpretations of the photographs, the project provides the children a voice that usually remains unheard. While inaugurating the project at the Bangladesh National Museum, Mr Foskett said that the “project is an important contribution towards recognising the street children of Dhaka as fellow human beings who deserve the same rights, opportunities and positive future that we all wish for our own children”.
Melissa Hurd and Ara Jerejian – two former Australian Youth Ambassadors, along with Population Services and Training Centre, a local NGO and a group of very talented Bangladeshi children living in the streets, initiated the project. The Australian Government contributed to this project through its Direct Aid Program and the Australian Youth Ambassador for Development Program.
The exhibition (21 January – 4 February) was well-attended and received appreciation and admiration from people from all walks of life in Dhaka, including children. There was considerable media interest surrounding the event. ‘ Visible’ hopes to reduce some of the stigma street children suffer in Bangladesh by illustrating their ability to make a meaningful contribution to their society.
The Australian High Commissioner HE Douglas Foskett cuts the ribbon with PSTC Executive Director, Milon Bikash paul to inaugurate the Visible Photo Exhibition on 21 January 2006.
Photo: Milon, aged 11, one of the participants of the exhibition
The Photo “Happiness”captures a joyful moment for some of the street children
Photo: Polly, aged 16, one of the participants of the exhibition.