During my first journey to Africa in 2012 -a 5month expedition travelling from Cairo to Cape Town- while strolling through the bustling streets of Nairobi, a man approached me upon noticing the camera hanging around my neck. This individual, named Mike, continues to impart dance lessons to the youth of Kibera, Nairobi's largest slum. He inquired whether I'd be interested in conducting a photography class for the children of the community. Without hesitation, the following day I was there..
I introduced the children to the basics of photography theory before transitioning to practical exercises. During this session, we captured images of the dancers as they gracefully moved alongside their instructor, Mike. Such a wonderful experience.
And that image stayed carved within me for years.
Years went by with visions of those ballerinas on tiptoe.
It had evolved into an obsession until I finally made the decision:
“I want to undertake the Kibera ballerinas project”.
After days and weeks of searching, I finally managed to find Mike on Facebook, the guy I had met years before on the streets of Nairobi. I told him about my project and idea. The only words he said in response were, 'What are you waiting for? Get on a plane and come here right away.'
The project it’s called:
LIFE IN BALANCE
Wearing brightly-colored dresses, children dance through the labyrinth of shacks and narrow alleys in Kibera, the largest urban slum and one of Africa’s most desperate areas.
Nairobi's slums, with over 2.5 million people, represent more than half of its population, occupying only 5% of its area. And because of their constant population growth, there is an increase in unemployment, poverty, crime, scarcity of water and infections. Due to this heartbreaking scenario, children are the only ones who can afford to dream.
Project Elimu, translated “knowledge/education” in Swahili, is a non-profit organization based in Kibera that provides a safe space for children, giving them opportunities to fulfill their dreams
The children become accomplished ballerinas, and at the same time discover their strengths.
Most of them didn't even know what the word “ballet” meant, but it didn't stop them from discovering their great passion.
Ballet provides a special path for these children who found “a life in balance” through their craft.
Ballet is so much more than learning dance moves. It is mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Ballet provides a great outlet. Ballet has increased their self-worth and has helped these children to realize they can become anything they want to be.
The joy and focus I have seen on their faces tells a story far greater than words could ever express.
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During that very year, because of the reason who took me to that school, a parallel idea was created. Through the generous support of numerous people who helped me, I managed to collect over 100 used cameras and in the same ballet-school I managed to open a photography school.
The project is called CLICK & SMILE
Here you can watch a brief video, showcasing its essence:
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This is just one of the many wonderful stories of my life.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to travel, meet wonderful people, and make a positive impact on their lives. Each journey enriches my perspective and allows me to contribute to the well-being of others.