After visiting our good friend Habibi in the camp this weekend, we found that his camera has broken. Habibi is one of the most naturally talented photographers we have met. Using photography as a therapy to express his emotions, his camera has been vital for his mental wellbeing while in the camp. Without his camera Habibi is becoming very depressed, so we are asking whether anyone has an old dslr they no longer need and would like to donate to him. Its a big ask, but we could also do with an old laptop to store his and other participants work on. If anyone can help us help Habibi, please get in touch. We will be heading back to the camp on the weekend on the 13th of February and we’d love to put a smile back on his face.
Images © Habibi/ Welcome to Our Jungle
Read MoreThe camp Church was demolished yesterday. Throughout our project this building has been photographed over and over again by participants who saw its very presence as a symbol hope. We should question the futility in taking away a place of worship from those who have very little other than their faith...
"This is my church, its good to pray for everything, it makes me happy inside."
Winta, aged 18, Eritrea
Image © Winta / Welcome to Our Jungle
Read MoreAt Prime Ministers Questions this week, David Cameron called the people living in the refugee camps in France, 'a bunch of migrants'. David Cameron has never been to the camps. We have been working with the refugees since September last year, using our participatory photography training to give the camps residents the skills to be able to take their own photographs and write their own words so they can tell their own stories. Through our project we have been empowering the people living in the 'Jungle' by giving them a voice outside of mainstream media, which does nothing but endorse Cameron's stereotyping. Through their words and pictures we hope we can show that these people are not 'a bunch of migrants' but living, breathing, human beings that need our help and friendship.
"Mierwais is our friend. He is alone. He is 11. His parents are not here. He asks Sultana (Sitara’s sister) for food, he asks 'I am hungry'. Sultana sometimes cooks eggs. He sleeps in a tent"
Sitara, aged 9, Afghanistan
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