Ramallah 30-05-2010

The Model Schools Network (MSN) concluded its photography club component today at a ceremony at the Youth Development Resource Centre (YDRC) in Ramallah.  The ceremony included an exhibition of the photos taken by 45 students who participated in the photography club activity.

The MSN Program, a USAID-funded school improvement project administered by AMIDEAST in partnership with the MOEHE, organized the photography club in cooperation with the YDRC and RUWWAD, the USAID-funded youth empowerment project.  RUWWAD provided trainers and materials for schools participating in the activity.  Three schools from the MSN Program were involved: the Arab Evangelical Episcopal School, the Evangelical Lutheran School of Hope, and Al-Awa’el Schools.

Mr. Mohammed Salim, a former member of the YDRC board of directors, welcomed the audience and presented an opening speech.  He expressed gratitude to the organizations who contributed to the success of the photography club activity, as well as to the school principals who worked with AMIDEAST and RUWWAD in implementing the activity.  Mr. Salim spoke of the importance of the art of photography and his personal experience as a photographer.  He encouraged students to “hold their cameras wherever they go.”  Additionally, he cited the need for future cooperation between schools and organizations in order to support extracurricular activities.

Dr. Chris Shinn, the Chief of Party for MSN, affirmed the project’s support for extracurricular activities at participating schools.  He encouraged participating MSN schools to implement similar activities which require minimal monetary support but deliver strong results to students.  He noted that the 40 public schools participating in the MSN project will be involved in similar extracurricular activities.

Mr. Ibrahim Al-Laouzy, one of the photography club trainers, thanked all who participated in the activity.  He noted that the activity had resulted in students gaining new skills and appreciation for photography.

Bra’s Motleb, a student involved in the photography club, spoke of her experience creating photographs in the club.  She thanked the organizations involved in bringing the club to her school and noted that it was a remarkable opportunity to gain knowledge about visual media.

The ceremony concluded with a short video featuring interviews with club participants and a display of their photographic work.  Prizes were awarded to four students for outstanding photographs: Yasim Dwejat, Bra’a Motleb,  Hisham Ajouli, and Anton Barghout. Certificates were presented to all participants.