Foto4Change presents photography equipment to Savelugu School for the Deaf

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Foto4change Foundation, a Non-governmental organisation, has presented photography equipment to Savelugu School for the Deaf in the Northern region of Ghana.

The items presented to the school included camera, speedlite, tripod, and other accessories.

Presenting the items, Mr. Geoffrey Buta, a multiple-award winning photojournalist and the team lead at Foto4change Foundation said, the goal is to support and educate students from Schools for the Deaf in the country.

He said, the importance of visual storytelling and supporting these special students has become more necessary than ever, as it has the power to shape their perception, tell their own stories and make history.

He also said the presentation is to equip the students to express themselves on how visual storytelling is a very effective means of self-expression for the students against social issues that affect them and also the journey to becoming young professional visual journalists.

“Students will also be coached by some of the leading photo professionals in the country from whom they will receive training, inspirational lectures as well as having their portfolios reviewed within a group session”, he added.

Mr. Buta further said that the mentors will share practical advice as well as their thoughts and perspectives on trends and developments in the industry.

“Part of Foto4change’s goal is also turning these special young talents into world-renowned professional visual storytellers to champion future visual storytelling by giving them the tools, knowledge and opportunity to advance their careers and build on their skills,” he added.

After the training, there will be a national photography contest among the schools and an exhibition where students from the school will be awarded.

After the presentation, Aisha Yakubu, a female student, expressed her joy as she operated the camera for the first time, “This is a dream come true, as I have been yearning to become a visual storyteller”.

Ms. Nora Naaso, Headmistress of the school commended Mr. Geoffrey Buta and the team from Foto4change for their initiative, saying it will help produce first-ever people with special needs visual journalists in the country.

“As we speak, there is no single professional journalist or cameraman in the country we can boost off, despite it being some of the student’s dream of becoming one,” she noted.

She said that despite their effort to encourage the students to partake in their studies, there is no single teacher to take them through.

“With education and coaching as part of the initiative to nurture the creativity in these young people, especially the girls,” and called for more support in the area of art so that the young ones can have a practical feel of whatever they are taught.