Teaching life skills through photography
Even though for the past year I’ve probably done more writing than photography, photography has played a big part in how I express myself. Being gifted a camera back in 2023 by a close friend has allowed me to explore different opportunities presented to me and meet people I most likely wouldn’t have met before, helping me have a clearer understanding of what I want to do with my life. One of those people I’ve met on this journey back in 2022, is Endinalo Moni.
I’ve had the privilege of seeing his own photography journey blossom from just an interest into a career path, to hosting his first exhibition last year. Another thing we have in common is growing up in a township. It took us both having a series of fortunate events that led us to taking up photography as a possible career. Unfortunately not every child in the township has the same exposure or opportunities we’ve had, which leads to them not knowing what could possible outside of what they know - a ripple effect of this country’s history and current administration.
This is why I wanted to highlight the workshop Endinalo ran together with DAC on Dorp Gallery, Khaltsha Cycling Academy and Andile Bhala recently. During their eight-day course, young girls aged 14-17 were introduced to the fundamentals of photography and visual storytelling while developing essential life skills such as observation, creativity, critical thinking, confidence, teamwork, empathy, communication and problem-solving.
The girls were taken through the process of how a photographer would prepare themselves for an upcoming exhibition. From learning the basics of how a camera operates, how to take a photograph, visiting a printing studio and photography gallery, and finally how to execute their own exhibition using the skills they’ve gained during the course.
The exhibition will be running from the 25th of July to the 30th of August, which they’ll be doing besides Endinalo himself. He will be showcasing his exhibition “Habitats Made by People.” It’s a photographic exhibition that explores the people, landscapes and everyday realities of Khayelitsha.
It challenges the way these communities are often perceived, rather than seeing them as “shacks”, he invites viewers to recognise them as homes created through resilience, dignity and most importantly necessity. Because of how this country and specifically this city has conducted itself over the course of its history, there are multiple generations of children that are incapable of reaching their full potential.
Whether that be in photography or any other career path that isn’t conventional if I can put it that way. Photography has opened doors for me to explore other things that are of interest to me and it would be nice to have that for others.
