Children's photos send message to end violence

CEBU, Philippines - Today is the last exhibit day of the “Through A Child’s Lens: An Exhibition of a Children’s Photography Workshop in the Philippines”, organized by UNICEF Philippines, together with Share A Child Movement, SUPACA Youth Group (Sugbuanong Pundok Aron Sugpuon ang Child Abuse) and supported by the Council for the Welfare of Children, Google, and SM Supermalls. 

The exhibit is a result of the five-day photography workshop with 20 high school students, aged 12 to 16, from urban and upland public schools around Cebu City. The activity is part of Children Against Violence, a campaign that gives children an opportunity to express their views and opinions about violence. Over 40 photographs are on the display for public viewing at the upper ground floor of SM City Cebu, near The Old Spaghetti House.

UNICEF trainer and photographer Giacomo Pirozzi, who has over 20 years experience documenting children’s lives for UNICEF around the world, taught the participants the basics of digital camera photography and using the art of photography as a tool for self-expression.

“Violence against children can occur in different settings— in schools, at home, on the streets, in communities, places of work, and on the internet. The physical, emotional and psychological scars of violence can rob children of their basic human rights. Through this exhibit, we empower young people to raise awareness on issues that affect them especially violence” says UNICEF Deputy Representative Abdul Alim.

The photo exhibit of children by children will be traveling to various locations in Cebu and Manila to advocate the passage of the Anti-Corporal Punishment bill. (FREEMAN)