Of Soul & Joy empowers Moroccan orphans through photography workshop

The Citizen

28-05-2025

Alberton's Of Soul & Joy (OSJ), a pioneering vocational programme rooted in photography as a means of youth empowerment, has extended its global footprint with a transformative workshop in Morocco.
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
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