Discussion of 'Life Tales through Photography' takes place in Ukhiya refugee settlement
In the heart of Block B, Camp One East in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, a unique dialogue took place on September 17. Organised by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) with support from Deutsche Welle Akademie, the event titled "Stories of Life in Frames" brought together Rohingya and Bangladeshi youths.
The dialogue, moderated by Mohammad Ibrahim and Yasmin Akter, marked a significant step in demonstrating that these young individuals are active partners in change.
One of the Rohingya participants, Nur Bashar, expressed that programs like this help replace despair with hope. For him, these initiatives serve as a beacon of light in the refugee camps, offering a platform to share stories and experiences.
Hamid Hossain, a Bangladeshi participant, found the event enlightening. He learned that each picture can carry the struggle and voice of human life, a powerful revelation that resonated with many.
The event featured sessions with photojournalist Jewel Shil and award-winning Rohingya photographer Abdullah. Jewel Shil, who believes that photographs can capture reality more deeply and have the power to move people, spark protest, or make society reflect, inspired the participants with his insights.
Abdullah, a refugee, encourages youths to use cameras to document truth, not just for beauty. His journeys and experiences deeply inspired the participants, according to a press release. Abdullah believes that sharing his own story of suffering through photographs serves as testimony for the outside world.
Many participants saw photography as a way to transform pain into testimony and hope. Some aspired to become photographers to capture both hardship and hidden beauty. They viewed photography as a universal language that transcends words, as stated by Shihab Zishan, project manager. He added that the dialogue reflects the project's vision to create a platform for young people to tell their own stories.
Jewel Shil also emphasised that inside the refugee camps lie countless untold stories. He encouraged the participants to use their cameras to bring these stories to light, creating a bridge between the camps and the world.
Others hoped to share their community's stories with the world. Hemayet Ullah, a resident of Kutupalong's One East Rohingya camp, uses photography as a means to share his survival story with the world.
The organisation supporting the program "Stories of Life in Frames" in Kutupalong's One East Rohingya Camp could not be identified in the provided search results. However, the impact of this dialogue was undeniable, leaving a lasting impression on all who participated.
