Initiative allows teens to showcase their ‘photoshopped reality’

AMMAN — Refugee teenagers recently showcased their photoshopped realities in a “What If?” exhibition organised by Plan International, which concluded on Monday at the Haya Cultural Centre.

Mohammad Khattab from Humus, who has been living in Azraq camp for the past three years, participated with a picture reflecting his desire to find a place to express “musical talents”.

“The caravans where I live are close to each other, and neighbours get annoyed and complain when someone plays music. Some of those who play instruments end up buying them and staring at them,” Mohammad told a small crowd attending the exhibition.

“What if, we had a small place that encourages and develops this talent?” he asked. “It’s true some play music, but it would be great if they could read musical notes.”

As part of the exhibition, teenagers between 14 and 16 years of age were trained by Plan International on the basics of photography.

“Each one was given a small camera and taught to take photos from different angles. The pictures reflected the harsh reality in which these young boys and girls live,” said Mona Abbas, head of Plan International in Jordan.

“The kids then projected their imagination into Photoshop and with the help of an expert, produced photos that showed how they could suggest an idea to improve their vulnerable reality,” Abbas added.

She told The Jordan Times: “Kids can now reflect on their reality and they started by analysing their surroundings to imagine how small changes can make a big difference.”