Burundi/Haitian Exchange

In August 2011, Peace in Focus facilitated a dialogue between youth in Haiti and Burundi. The young people in Haiti were part of a Mercy Corps' Timoun Alez photography camp and were trained by Peace in Focus co-founder, Kate Fedosova. The young people in Burundi were a part of a Peace in Focus/Jamaa program, in collaboration with Discover Voice.

They exchanged their photography, wrote & answered 20 questions, and finally connected on Skype on the last day. Together they sang songs, talked about their countries, and vision for the future. One of the most poignant topics of conversation was when the Burundi youth learned that Haiti was the first black nation to win their independence. Haiti gained independence in 1804 and Burundi gained independence in 1962.

Ultimately, they discovered that despite having an ocean between them, they share a common language, eat similar foods, both enjoy soccer, and want to see their countries become peaceful and prosperous.

First half of the interviews

Burundi youth asking Haitian youth

How are you doing after the earthquake?

At first, very poorly. We were shocked and very sad. Now, we’re feeling better and recovering thanks to Mercy Corps’ psychosocial art therapy program.

What is your vision for your country?

We would like to rebuild the zones affected by the earthquake, and we hope to support our country’s educational, cultural, social, and economic plans to put our country on the road to progress.

What did you think of the photography workshop?

The workshop was great and a lot of fun, because we learned a lot about photography, identity, and our African roots. We can use this knowledge in the future. Now that we have knew skills we are happy and proud of ourselves.

Do children have the right to work in Haiti?

No, not before 18 years old, but certain children work before this age.

Are there street children and those who are mistreated, too?

Yes, in certain neighborhoods.

How do children live in Haiti?

Some live well while others do not.

What are the living conditions for the Haitian children?

The majority of children live in difficult conditions. Many do not go to school; some live on the street and have no opportunities for entertainment.

Are there Children’s Rights in Haiti?

The rights are established but most of the time are not applied.

What are some of the main activities in Haiti?

Art, commerce, agriculture, fishing, football, music, culture, traditional games, dances like compas et folklore danses, such as the congo, petro, ibo, nago, Banda, Raboday, Mayi, Kontredans, Yanvalou, and many others.

How do orphans live in Haiti?

Some live on the street and some live in orphanages. Some live with host families and others live as “restavec,” a phenomenon where a child is taken and do forced to do housework for a family.

What is the national motto of Haiti?

Unity is strength!

What is the state of the health system?

Critical. The majority of our cities in provinces do not have hospitals or health centers. There is fewer than one doctor per 10,000 inhabitants.

What foods are the basis for your diet in Haiti?

Produce, rice, beans, millet, Akasan (corn flour used for breakfast)

Are there homeless children?

Yes, especially in the capital of Port-au-Prince.

Do Haitians enjoy freedom of expression?

Yes, we often have protests and demonstrations, and we have freedom of expression in the media.

What’s the political system in Haiti?

We have a democratic system, though it’s not implemented fully.

What are the different kinds of work in Haiti?

Masonry, carpentry, woodworking, art, household, agriculture, sewing, teaching, the public servants of the state, contractor, trade, and unfortunately some girls involved in prostitution.

What is the economy in Haiti?

We import a lot. Our system of agriculture is archaic, so our levels of production are low, as are our exports. The revenue per capita is low.

Are children in Haiti polite?

The majority are.

Do you play soccer?

Yes, a lot!

Yasser Alaa

Our friend Yasser Alaa's artwork from Alexandria, Egypt:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yasseralaa

If you never had the chance, we highly recommend watching "Born Into Brothels" the winner of the 77th annual Best Documentary Feature from 2004:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8niql0q3i6c

"Youth Voices: Our Vision for the World"

Photography Exhibit

"Pictures bring meaning to my life and the transformation of my community and my country. Though we suffered much by the many years of civil war and the pictures we remember are all negative, but together, we can turn a negative picture into something positive and tell a new and resounding story."

- John, age 17, Liberia.

Peace in Focus would like to thank all who attended and participated in our successful photography exhibit held on October 27, 2011 at the Tantric India Bistro.

The exhibit showcased a selection of photos taken by young photographers from our programs in Boston, Burundi, Liberia, and the Caribbean -- giving us a window into their lives, struggles, and dreams as the present generation of leaders.

A special thank you to our Boston workshop participants, Antonio Stroud and Dolenia Belmir for sharing their inspiring words and experiences. All donations went towards supporting Peace in Focus programs in Boston and abroad.

More exhibits to come soon!

Burundi Workshop: Day 10

Hi!

I am NDAYIHANGAJE Carmel, I was born on the 29th April in 1993 in Cibitoke commune. I am a schoolboy at “CEPBU” high school.

In my every day life, I love to make friends. I like to play at basketball too. But, I detest quarreling with friends, failing at school and any kind of oppression and exploitation.

I’m now a photojournalist and a journalist. If ever I have an opportunity to edit articles, they will focus on fighting oppression and the exploitation of children by giving them hard works that goes beyond their capacities instead of sending them to school.

Taking pictures is very exciting. Last week, I took pictures of people animals, buildings and moving cars. We have been taught also journalism and the rules that guide a journalist while reporting to avoid mistakes, which can lead him to be judged by courts.

I’ve got so much to tell you, but let me just say thank you to JAMAA association and Peace in Focus from Boston, and ask them humbly to perpetuate such actions. I call upon anyone to help them, so that they may keep on working for the benefit of children and for the world to survive.

Thank you!


Hello!

I am KWIZERA Arnauld from Nyakabiga Commune, Bujumbura city. I was born in 1994.

My passion is to watch sports at the television especially the soccer. I like to be informed about famous players and coach as well. I also like to discuss with friends because I get much information from a discussion with friends. However, I do detest quarrelling.

In my life, two period are unforgettable: the first one was the three months I spent in a hospital when I had an accident, and the second one is when I failed examinations at school for the first time. During those periods, it was as if the world was turned upside down.

As far as the workshop is concerned, I’ve spent two weeks here in JAMAA center, and I’ve gained so much knowledge about photojournalism and journalism. Our facilitators treated us like their younger brothers and sisters. Now I know to use a digital camera, and the difference between photography and photojournalism. Even though they share some similarities, photojournalism produces images that “talk” a whole story. I also appreciated the way we use Adobe Photoshop to modify a photograph. During this second week we have been acquainted with journalist union through media auto-regulation and the functions of the national council of communication. The last but not less important thing we learned is the rules we follow to write a newspaper report.

I say thank you to JAMAA and all its partners especially Peace in Focus!

Burundi Workshop: Day 9

Hi!

My name is IRAKOZE Annick, I am a resident of Sororezo a commune of Rural Bujumbura province. I’m a pupil at Nyakabiga primary school, and I’m 14 years old.

I love photography, to take a picture is the most interesting things I have ever done. Though it’s the first time I do it, I can confirm it without doubt.
Here in this workshop we are four who are still in the primary school, this means that I’m a beginner at French language, so when I’m asked to answer in that language, I often make mistakes and my colleagues laugh at me. This make me very sad.

Nowadays, thanks to GOD, we live in peace. Our commune, in the last few years was the battlefield between the rebels and the national army.

What made me happy in the workshop is simply to meet new friends.

Today I was very happy to listen to my friends who were reciting news they listened to yesterday night, as an assignment. I regretted why I didn’t came yesterday, because it was a very exciting exercise.

Goodbye, Thank you!



Greetings to everybody!

I’m IRAKOZE Yvette, I am a resident of Sororezo, Rural Bujumbura. I study at “Mutanga Sud” primary school in 6th form. I was born at Mutanga Sud.

I like to play at soccer. Myself, I’m a soccer player. But I hate so much politics because politics kills, it uses stones, bullet and fire. Politicians use the youth to kill each other. To me, politics is violence, so I don’t even wish to hear about it.

Since my childhood up to last year, we lived in war, we were often running away. However, in those days, while in fugitive camps, the government and some NGO, came to rescue us by providing us with foods, blanket and other diverse items. They were a comfort in that distress situation.
Today, Joseph trained us to conduct interview. We had sessions of interviewing each other after having learned the 15 interview techniques and performed it. Now I can say I’m a real journalist or at least a beginner in that skill.

I cannot end my message without thanking those who prepared this training, May God bless them. I beg them to do the same for other children like me and advice all the children who will read me, to be aware and avoid everything that may abstract and hinder them from going to school, school is the future.

Thank you!

Burundi workshop: Day 8

Greetings!

I’m NTARE Robert Nesta. I live at Kinanira quarter. I’m 15 years old and study at Musaga municipal high school in 7th form.

I like to chat and laugh with friends, I’m also interested in internet. I hate however falsehood. I’m afraid of cars because I one day had an accident with it, but, the day I knew that I’ve passed the national exam every thing became new.

I’ve got three dreams in my life, the first one is to be a soccer player, the second is to be a sport journalist afterward and the last one is to do something very important so that every one in BURUNDI will always remember me even after my death.

Today, I’ve learned interview techniques, how to conduct an interview and behave in front of my interlocutor.

Peace in Focus and JAMAA have done something worthwhile by virtue of the fact that there are many men who wish to be photojournalist or journalist but lack such chances. I’ve realized that to be a journalist requires a lot of courage. One must give up laziness to get a good picture at the right moment.

Thank you to Peace in Focus and JAMAA for what you do for the benefit of children.


Hello!

My name is IGIRANEZA Maryse, my home is Bwiza Commune, I have 17 years of the age, I study at “Avenir” high school in 5th form, but now I’m admitted in 4th form.
I love to live good among my neighbors, I feel good when I see friends smiling.
I am an orphan, my father and mother died so long ago, when I was still a little girl. To loose my parent is the worst thing that has ever happen to me. But, despite the fact that I have no one on my own, I’m still alive and happy, thanks to God. I don’t complain at all, I live in family that take care enough of me, it does its best at least.

The workshop we attend is very beneficial for me, today we’ve been taught the three kinds of medias and their similarities and differences as far as writing a report is concerned. However I’m still confused about which one to choose and engage. Normally I was interested in audiovisual, but here we focus more on the written press.

Let me say thanks to the members of Peace in Focus who had this wonderful idea because, we people from BURUNDI are willing to do wonderful things but lack sufficient means. For instance, it was my first time to touch a camera. Hence, I’m very grateful to Peace in Focus and JAMAA, cause not only I have touched it but I also know to use it.

Burundi Workshop: Day 7

Hello!

My name is BUKURU David. I’m a schoolboy at Saint Gabriel high school, and a resident of Ngagara commune in Bujumbura city. I’m 16 years of the age.

I like to play at ping-pong so much so that I can’t spend a whole week without playing at it. But, I hate people who keep quiet so much. Normally, I’m always happy save perhaps, when I fail to do something important. I don’t have much things to say about me because I’m a simple boy like others, nothing special that distinguishes me from others except that I’m a tall guy and have a strong desire of becoming the president of the republic of Burundi, if GOD wishes indeed.

We’ve been taught so many new things, but the one I will never forget is how to take a photograph. Today, Richard taught us the treatment of information.

I’m extremely grateful to all the facilitators for their help. My special thanks go to Peace in Focus and JAMAA members in general because we’ve gained some useful skills from the workshop, which can help in their turn to gain our daily bread.

Thanks!


Hello!

My name is MUKESHIMANA Sabrina. I live at Ngagara commune. I’m 17 years old and I study at Saint Albert high school in 3rd form art.

I’m fond of watching television and reading books. When I’m tired, I go to visit friends and chat with them. I equally like to visit sick people in hospitals and going to church. My passion is traveling, though I’m broke. I hate however, wicked people and those who quarrel every time.

I would like to be a journalist, a historian or psychologist. In brief, I want to have much knowledge.

In JAMAA center, I appreciate the way people are welcoming and the way we are taught. The only thing that is still troubling is that a few people are not punctual, and cameras are not sufficient in number. It would be great to have one camera per each participant.

Yesterday, we learned the deontic code, which expresses the duties and rights of
journalist and how to collect information.

I’d like to thank GOD, our facilitators and JAMAA association in general.

Thank you!

Burundi Workshop: Day 6

Hello!

My name is NDIKUMANA Igor, I’ve got 16 years of the age, I live at Mutakura in Cibitoke commune on the 7th avenue. I’m a pupil at the technology school known as ETEC.

I like to play at soccer, I used to play in Meridian soccer team. But the more I advance in studies the less free time I have, and this obliged me to stop soccer and concentrate on my studies. Now, after school, I’m often busy dancing at the dancing club because I’m also fond of music. I belong to a dancing club known as Strong Wind. I hate, however, injustice and pride.

Today, Eric taught us confraternity and other points included in the ethical code of photojournalism. There is another significant issue we tackled, that is to prepare the material before going to make a report.

I’d like to thank JAMAA and Peace in Focus in general and Eric, Richard, Ciza, Kazadi, Claude, and Joseph in particular for what they do for us and ask them to do the same for other children.

Thank you very much, may God bless you.



Hello!

My name is Raissa NDAYISHIMIYE, I’m a pupil at CMN college in 5th form. I’m a resident of Rohero on Bututsi Avenue.

In my life, I like to help hopeless persons. My dream is to become one day a famous movie star. I do hate liars, injustice doers and vengeful people. I’m an orphan, and every time I see children with their parents I immediately remember mine, I lost them when I was still a little girl.

I like journalism, but I wish I could be the president of our republic in other to restore justice in this country and help other orphans like me.

This is the first time I attend such a workshop. Everything goes well so far, I’m now able to take a good picture using the basics we were taught. For instance, I know how to reduce and increase the amount of light that enters the camera. In few words I know to paint with light, as the definition of photography is.

Today we’ve learned the relation between a journalist and his boss as well as the duties and rights of a journalist.

Let me end my story by giving thanks and praises to Peace In Focus, which help organize this workshop.

Thanks!

Burundi Workshop: Day 5

Hello everyone!

I am HABIMANA Ninette, I am 17 years of the age; I was born in 1993 the 1st of July, it was on the independence memorial day. I study at Bwiza Commune College in 4th form.

I like to study, because my dream is to become a cultivated journalist. I equally enjoy reading, watching T.V., listen to nice music and doing sports as well. Another thing I love is cooking. I detest sloth in my life, sitting there without doing any thing is very boring.

Yesterday we had an excursion and took photos; today, we commented on them. Now I feel like I’m a photojournalist and prove to be one as you can realize it yourself from my photos. We have been taught some photography basics and how to read an image etc.

I appreciated our facilitators and I’m glad I’ve found new friends from other neighborhoods. We made several practice and play games together we and I have realized that though we came from different parts, we are the same.

Let me give thanks and praises first of all to the highest God of my salvation who gave me life. Second, to my parents who allowed me to take part in this workshop, finally and specially to the president of JAMAA Eric NSENGIYUMVA.

“I wish long life to JAMAA and Peace in Focus!”