Of Soul & Joy empowers Moroccan orphans through photography workshop
The workshop was aimed at enriching the lives of underprivileged children through the power of visual storytelling.
The week-long workshop, which concluded on May 18, took place at the Dar Al Atfal Sidi Bernoussi orphanage in Casablanca.
This vital institution, founded in 1986, cares for approximately 260 vulnerable boys, offering them shelter, education, and a path towards independence. The initiative was supported by Rubis Mécénat and Vitogaz Maroc, organisations committed to social impact through cultural engagement and sustainable development.
Led by acclaimed South African photographer Jabulani Dhlamini, in collaboration with Moroccan artists Marouane Beslem and Abdelhamid Behlamidi, the workshop introduced children aged 11 to 12 to the fundamentals of photography.
Through a blend of technical instruction and creative exploration, the young participants were encouraged to view the world around them through a new lens both figuratively and literally.
Jabulani said that photography is a universal language as it goes beyond barriers of language, ethnicity, and creed.
'It's a unifier, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to creatively tell their stories. What's truly powerful is that, through photography, these children can communicate with the world, and their stories will resonate with anyone, anywhere,' Jabulani said.
The culmination of the workshop was a public exhibition held on May 17, where the children's work was proudly displayed.
Featuring photo prints, wallpapers, and archival pieces, the exhibition offered a moving testament to the children's newfound voices and creativity. Curated by Jabulani, Beslem, and Behlamidi, the showcase highlighted the power of photography to give visibility to marginalised youth and foster intercultural dialogue.
Dar Al Atfal Sidi Bernoussi, with ongoing support from Vitogaz Maroc, has recently undergone significant refurbishment to improve facilities, including its kitchen, bathrooms, and dormitories. These enhancements have created a more nurturing environment for the children, many of whom come from difficult or disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Morocco initiative is the latest chapter in OSJ's growing legacy of photographic education and social upliftment.
The programme has produced several internationally recognised alumni, including Tshepiso Mazibuko, whose exhibition Ho tshepa ntshepedi ya bontshepe garnered dual accolades at the 2024 Rencontres d'Arles festival in France.
Another standout, Vuyo Mabheka, received the Special Jury Prize at the Biennale Images Vevey in Switzerland for his impactful series Popihuise.
As OSJ continues to expand its reach, the Morocco workshop stands as a powerful example of how art can be a tool for empowerment and connection.
By equipping children with the skills to document their world and share their stories, the programme not only nurtures future photographers but also instils confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging on a global stage.
For more information about Of Soul & Joy and its international workshops, visit www.ofsoulandjoy.co.za
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
12 hours ago
- IOL News
New Spotify subscription prices in South Africa: Are you ready for the increase?
South African music lovers will have to fork out more money to listen to music on Spotify Image: File picture South African music lovers will have to fork out more money to listen to music on Spotify after the streaming giant announced that it will be increasing its Premium subscription prices in the coming weeks. The price hike forms part of a global update affecting multiple regions, including South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific. In a statement issued to the media earlier this week, the Swedish music streaming company said the increase is necessary to support continued innovation and to enhance its personalised, world-class listening experience. example of an email Spotify users will receive, confirming the price hike. Image: Spotify "At Spotify, we're committed to delivering a world-class, personalised experience for every user," the company said. "To continue to innovate on our product offerings and features and bring users the best experience, we occasionally update our prices." The company added that premium users will receive formal communication over the next month informing them what the new changes mean for their subscription. "Over the next month, Premium subscribers in multiple markets across South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region will receive an email explaining what this update means for their subscriptions," The Spotify Premium prices in South Africa are different depending on which Premium plan you choose. According to the company, the prices will be hiked by €1 (R20.69). New Spotify Premium Prices in South Africa: Premium Individual : R69.99/month Premium Duo : R94.99/month Premium Family : R119.99/month Premium Student : R37.99/month IOL Business Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
The Citizen
13 hours ago
- The Citizen
Local Dancers Shine on International Stage Despite Setback
A group of four talented young dancers from Potchefstroom returned from Spain last week with a total of 18 international medals – including three first places, nine second places, and six third places – after representing South Africa at the Mediterranean Legends international dance competition in July. The dancers – Nicoléne Minnaar, Somé Cromhout, Elizka De Bruyn, and Zanica Bechaz – formed part of the South African team competing against dancers from countries across the globe. But their journey to the podium was anything but ordinary. Just two weeks before departure, tragedy struck when Elizka de Bruyn broke her ankle, leaving the group devastated and under pressure to rework nearly all their routines. Rather than let the setback define them, the team rose to the challenge with resilience and determination. 'We had to re-choreograph multiple items in which Elizka couldn't dance anymore,' said their coach, Anchenique Papenfus. 'The girls came together as a team in a time of potential crisis and turned it into an opportunity to grow.' In a remarkable show of adaptability, the dancers reworked one of their group routines to include Elizka performing in a moon boot and wheelchair. That performance went on to earn a second place on the international stage – a moment the team and audience won't forget soon. They were also able to adapt one of Elizka's solo dances so that she could still perform on stage. She earned an incredible third place for this performance. Another dancer, Somé Cromhout, stepped up in an extraordinary way. With just three days to learn Elizka's part in a duet, Somé mastered the routine in time – and the piece was awarded second place as well. Two of the team's dancers were invited to perform again at the competition's Gala Evening. A solo by their youngest rising star, Zanica Bechaz, and a duet by Nicoléne Minnaar and Somé Cromhout that was awarded first place. Coach Anchenique couldn't be prouder: 'They were all willing to work together to find a way to accommodate their friend. They showed compassion, commitment, and creativity. It was incredible to see a team come together like this.' The group's achievements have not only inspired their fellow dancers at home but have proven that true teamwork, heart, and perseverance can lead to greatness – even when the odds are stacked against you. The Potchefstroom community awaits to welcome home their dance heroes, who have shown the world the spirit of South African dancers – strong, united, and unstoppable.
The South African
14 hours ago
- The South African
American content creator's huge TIP leaves Soweto Uber driver close to tears
There's something undeniably magnetic about South Africa's warmth – a charm woven into the way locals engage with others, a spirit of generosity and joy that seems to effortlessly captivate those who visit. This was the experience of American content creator Steven Schapiro, who recently travelled to Cape Town and found himself moved by the authenticity and charisma of South Africans. In a viral moment shared on TikTok, Schapiro captured a heartwarming interaction at a local restaurant where he was dining with his unofficial tour guide, driver, and friend. The group was served by a waitron named Olivia, whose humour and energy made an impression. 'Something about this woman tells us that she is this way with all her customers,' said Schapiro, who was so touched by her presence that he left her a '$500 tip' at the end of their meal. NOTE: While the TikTok video suggested it was $500, it didn't appear to be that much. @steven_schapiro tipping waitresses $500 in South Africa ❤️ #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound – Steven Schapiro It turns out Schapiro's trip had a generous mission – he aimed to give away $100 000 (approximately R1.9 million) to deserving people across South Africa, including waitresses, tradespeople, and those simply in need of a helping hand. From paying rent to covering bills, Schapiro used his platform to highlight everyday kindness and reward it in meaningful ways. Meanwhile, in another touching moment, he shared an Uber ride with a driver from Soweto. During their conversation, the driver revealed that his wife had given birth earlier that day. In a moment of kindness, Schapiro gave him R1 000 – and, inspired by the man's joy and humility, followed it with another R1 000. @steven_schapiro tipping uber drivers $500 in South Africa ❤️ #foryou #fyp ♬ original sound – Steven Schapiro Schapiro's videos, which continue to circulate widely on social media, serve as a global showcase of the genuine warmth South Africans are known for. He has in excess of 4.5 million followers on TikTok. Whether it's in a smile, a joke, or a kind word, that uniquely South African charm has left a lasting impact on a visitor determined to give back. 'It's clear that hosting people and making them feel at home comes naturally to us,' one viewer commented. 'This is just who we are.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
