BANGALORE, INDIA
100CAMERAS X AGASTYA INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION
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100cameras X Agastya is a part of a 8 class course that is custom designed by 100cameras to equip passionate creatives with the tools to empower youth in a community they care about with the opportunity to learn how to process their stories and create change. Pictured here are 100cameras students during the course. This program was made possible by Adobe.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
100cameras X Agastya International Foundation took place in Settepalli, Andhra Pradesh, India, in partnership with the Agastya International Foundation, a transformative educational organization with a mission to spark curiosity, nurture creativity, and instill confidence in children. Since its inception in 1999, Agastya has strived to close the gaps in education, bringing children across India onto a level playing field.
Through its mobile science programs, Agastya has been channeling its energy into taking experiential and hands-on education to the remotest corners of the country and stepping away from rote learning. Its Mobile Science Programs, Science Centres, night community centers, and 172-acre Campus Creativity Lab all work together to augment the existing school curriculums and create opportunities for children to explore the subject on their own.
“The children from Zilla Parishad High School (District Council High School), Settepalli, have not had any previous exposure to photography. These are children with little access to technology associated with media training. The 100cameras program hence comes as a completely novel experience for all of them,” shares Swetha Krishna Reddy, Instructor, Agastya + Program Leader.
“If I photograph a flowering plant, I tell the story of its life through it, what it takes to grow, manure, water, etc. Yes, I think it is important [to share] because the photos I take convey my thoughts which may be different from others’ perspectives. Through photography we can understand each other’s perspectives. I want the world to see the photographs I took. Through them, one can understand my surroundings and the lives of the people who inhabit them. Thanks to this program, I now believe that I am truly a photographer. I have recently taken a great interest in photography. Of all the programs I have been a part of so far, this one is my favorite.”
Agastya’s educational interventions complement and work alongside government programs and the curriculum in the government schools, and their primary objective is to provide quality educational programs that attract and retain children who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. The programs are holistically designed to spark creative thinking and problem solving skills, improve learning achievement, and expand opportunities.
“When I saw the girls in the group interacting with members of their communities on the photo walks, I realised that this was an experience not all of them had, due to social constraints. I think the curriculum helped them realise that their perspectives were equally important and they have the opportunity to make their potential known to the world. ”
Through innovative core programs, Agastya ignites that initial spark of curiosity in a child. This occurs in their labs, where teachers are trained in their hands-on methods that excite students about science, art, and mathematics. On the 100cameras program, Reddy reflects, “All of the children showed exponential growth from the first session to the last one. They became comfortable with each other as a class, and it brought them closer to each other. This is reflected in the quality of photographs. The subjects they chose also got bolder.”
Agastya’s MediaArts lab program works with children in rural communities to impart media education. Through photography, videography and other forms of storytelling, it empowers children to document their communities and cultures and preserve them for posterity.
“In the lessons where children had to Map Their Story and do their gender bios, they talked about the lack of open conversations in their families. With only a little motivation and the realization that their stories mattered, they were able to talk to the people in their homes and finish the exercises. ”
MEET THE STUDENTS
“I can look at a picture and write a story based on it. I learnt how to take pictures and how beautiful nature can be. Of all the beautiful things in nature, I love flowers the most. I feel happy when I share what I know with others. I can convert images into words and stories into photographs.”
ABOUT THE PROGRAM LEADERS
Swetha Krishna Reddy has been an Instructor at Agastya International Foundation since 2016. She is a passionate and respected teacher, and her passion for teaching is only paralleled by her passion for computers. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Science on the side. She believes that children need to be encouraged to broaden their perspectives and think outside the box. “When the children held cameras for the first time, they were nervous. As time went by, they started feeling comfortable and enjoying it to the extent that they refused to study for their impending examinations. Instead, they went around their village, taking photographs! Their infectious enthusiasm took me by great surprise,” shared Reddy.
Prem Kumar has always been passionate about working with children and helping to shape their minds as they grow. His drive brought him to Agastya where he has been working for the past 4 years. He is also an avid photographer, with nature being his favorite subject. On his social media, as an example, there are a variety of plant and animal species endemic to the areas around Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh. Check it out! “The children were initially embarrassed to use cameras. But two sessions later, they were having the time of their lives, clicking pictures with their friends and laughing to their heart’s content. You can see just how much fun they had through the photographs they took,” reflected Kumar.
STUDENT IMAGE GALLERY
“I know how to create a story by putting several photos together. I did not think I would ever hold a camera, but now I can click great photographs. I want them to learn about the greenery and animals in our village and traditions we have. After this program, I think I can become a professional cameraman. I loved everything I learned here. I now dream of becoming a cameraman.”
Follow us on social media to see images from the field as captured by the 100cameras X Agastya team and the student photographers.
Thank you to Adobe for making this program possible! Check out the exclusive 100cameras x Adobe Stock collection.
