22 March, 2009

As part of the larger project emPOWER, which is a student-led initiative to develop a sustainable power station for the landfill (and surrounding communities) in Karachi, I volunteered to organize an art project for the children in one of the schools there. The idea was to get a better picture of the people who would directly benefit from the project. Since I was in Karachi for the week, it seemed perfect.

On Friday Momin, Muneeb, Anum, Amna, Hiba, Urooj and I went to the north of Karachi to visit the landfill and the schools there that offer free education to the kids from the surrounding slums. We had organized a painting workshop for about 60 kids, an opportunity for them to express themselves through art and tell others their story and the story of their community.

What we saw shocked us, but equally amazing was the energy, joy and creativity that each kid had. Amidst the burning garbage there was hope.

Photo by Momin Zafar

Photo by Momin Zafar

Photo by Momin Zafar

Photo by Momin Zafar

Photo by Momin Zafar

Photo by Momin Zafar

Photo by Momin Zafar

Photo by Momin Zafar

Photo by Momin Zafar

Photo by Momin Zafar

Photo by Momin Zafar

Photo by Momin Zafar

Photo by Momin Zafar

Photo by Momin Zafar







7 comments:

kungming2 said...

Your photos are absolutely wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I wish I was there.

Faaez said...

Great work guys! This is amazing;

Ryan said...

I am impressed. Great work!

Tasnim Shamma '11 said...

agreed -- both the photos and the work = amazing. :)

What a productive way to spend Spring Break.

Anonymous said...

This was wonderful, Waqas!! you have made a lasting impression on these children, encouraging expression through art...beee-utiful!

Unknown said...

your effort was commendable and reinforces my belief that it is the youth of Pakistan who will make their country rise and shine! keep up the good work.Also. my congrats to momin zafar for his photography. Infact, i am so happy to have bought one of his photographs at his recent exhibit at nairang.
best wishes,
saira dar
Lahore
darsaira@gmail.com