Hermanus, South Africa – Nestled between the dramatic peaks of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, Hermanus is renowned for its stunning scenery and thriving whale-watching industry. However, just a short distance away, within the vibrant yet underserved Zwelihle Township, a different reality unfolds. Here, amidst the challenges of poverty and inequality, a unique project empowers children to become storytellers, capturing their realities and inspiring hope for the future.
A convergence of purpose
“Sparklekids Through Their Own Eyes” is a remarkable initiative born from the convergence of two inspiring projects: Sparklekids, a non-profit charity organisation in South Africa dedicated to empowering children in impoverished communities, and Through Their Own Eyes, an independent project that provides children with cameras to document their own lives.
Initially, Through Their Own Eyes, spearheaded by Dutch photographer Wilco den Otter, focused on empowering children through the art of photography. Children were provided with disposable cameras and encouraged to capture their unique perspectives on the world around them.
The initial project, launched in 2016 in Zwelihle Township, exceeded expectations. “We brought 30 disposable cameras from the Netherlands,” recalls Wilco. “Anticipating 15 participants, we were overwhelmed when at least 50 children showed up. We handed out all the cameras and promised the rest a turn in the next round.”
After an introductory photography lesson, the children were given a straightforward task: “Capture your life through your own eyes.” The anticipation was palpable. “We agreed to meet a week later to collect the cameras,” Wilco recounts. “Initially, we feared the worst—five minutes before the deadline, not a single child had arrived. But then, they started coming from all directions—every single one of them, cameras in hand. In the end, only one camera was broken. It belonged to nine-year-old Bhuko, who had been too curious about its inner workings!”
Since disposable cameras are analogue, the team had to wait to see the results. Once back in the Netherlands, they developed the films, and what they saw amazed them. The photographs were a revelation – vibrant, raw, and brimming with honesty and authenticity. These images, captured through children’s eyes, offered a unique and powerful perspective on life in the township, challenging preconceived notions and stereotypes.
Recognising the profound impact of this initial project, Wilco sought to deepen its reach and sustainability. This led him to partner with Theo Krynauw and the Sparklekids organisation. Sparklekids, with its focus on holistic child development, offered a vital complement to the “Through Their Own Eyes” project. This collaboration resulted in “Sparklekids Through Their Own Eyes,” a unique initiative combining photography’s power with the comprehensive support Sparklekids provides.
“The idea,” explains Wilco, “is to give children a voice, to allow them to document their own lives and experiences, and to share their unique perspectives with the world. We want to move beyond the often-negative portrayals of township life and showcase these communities’ vibrant, resilient spirit.”
More than just photography
“It’s not just about teaching children how to take pictures,” emphasises Theo Krynauw, founder of Sparklekids. “We believe every child deserves the opportunity to shine, dream big, and contribute positively to their community. This project provides them a platform to express themselves creatively, explore their identities, and develop a sense of agency.”
Furthermore, the project empowers children to become agents of change within their communities. “We’ve had some of the children who participated in the Through Their Own Eyes project go on to become SparkleKids,” explains Theo, “and we then help them to access tertiary education in fields like nursing, teaching, coding, trades, and engineering. This is usually a four-year commitment, but we identify these potential leaders from a young age. We look for children with ‘sparkle in their eyes’ – not necessarily the most academically gifted, but those with the determination to overcome adversity and break the cycle of poverty. Poverty is the enemy; it disempowers. But through education and empowerment, we can equip these young people to live fulfilling lives and contribute positively to their society.”
The results of the photography project are often breathtaking. The raw and unfiltered photographs offer a poignant glimpse into the realities of life in the township – the joys, the challenges, and the remarkable resilience of its inhabitants. They depict vibrant street scenes, playful interactions between children, intimate portraits of family members, and moments of quiet reflection. These images not only capture the beauty of the township but also challenge preconceived notions and stereotypes.
Read more: Through Their Own Eyes – The 2024 project
Impact and empowerment beyond belief
The “Sparklekids Through Their Own Eyes” project has empowered children to express themselves creatively and has had a profound and lasting impact on their lives. Many of the children who have participated in the project have pursued further education, with some even receiving scholarships to attend university. Sparklekids has successfully supported over 200 children in their educational journeys. Furthermore, the project has had a positive impact on the broader community. Theo shares, “The school pass rate was 30% when we first got involved. And then, you know, it went up, not just because of what we have done, but because of the good things that spotlight focused on over all the years.”
Inspiring collaboration and community
The success of the project hinges on strong partnerships and active community involvement. Sparklekids, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering children in impoverished communities, plays a central role in identifying and supporting participating children.
Furthermore, the project has garnered support from various individuals and organisations, including FinGlobal”. As a financial services provider company based in Hermanus, we believe in investing in the future, starting at home,” says Ryno, CEO of FinGlobal. “By supporting initiatives like ‘Sparklekids Through Their Own Eyes,’ we are empowering young people and contributing to a more just and equitable society. Our responsibility is to create opportunities for all children to reach their full potential.”
Education as a springboard for correcting inequality
The project also emphasises the importance of education and community development. Sparklekids has established the Overstrand Learning Hub, a dedicated facility that provides access to higher education. “We call it the ‘University’,” says Theo, “where we have about 80 students pursuing B.Ed degrees in Foundation Phase teaching and a one-year business management course. This facility, located behind the old synagogue, serves as our headquarters and is a testament to the impact of education and community collaboration.” The Overstrand Learning Hub is vital in nurturing the aspirations of young people who have participated in the Through Their Own Eyes project, providing them with the necessary skills and qualifications to succeed.
Technology, mentorship, and partnerships – bringing it all together
Technology plays an essential role in the programme. Ryno and his network have donated second-hand laptops, ensuring that children who graduate high school with a bachelor’s pass receive a tool to further their studies. Additionally, Dennis Ekbom from Sweden has facilitated the donation of over 300 refurbished laptops, providing essential resources for these young scholars. This demonstrates the power of collaboration and the positive impact of partnerships on the project’s success.
Measuring impact through results that are heart-touching
Success is measured not just in numbers but in lives changed. 1,500 beautifully crafted brochures featuring children’s photography are printed and distributed to guesthouses, schools, and community centres each year. This widespread distribution allows the children’s stories to reach a wider audience and inspire others to get involved.
Looking to the future
The future of the “Sparklekids Through Their Own Eyes” project is bright. Wilco and Theo envision expanding the initiative to other communities, reaching more children and sharing their stories with a broader audience.
“Our hope,” says Wilco, “is to inspire others to see the world through these incredible young people’s eyes and recognise the power of photography to bridge divides and foster empathy. We want to create a ripple effect, inspiring other communities to embark on similar projects and empower young people.”
How can you get involved?
Individuals and organisations can support the “Sparklekids Through Their Own Eyes” project in various ways, including:
- Volunteering: Share your skills and time by mentoring children, assisting with workshops, or helping to organise exhibitions.
- Donating: Contribute financially to support the purchase of equipment, cover workshop costs, and provide scholarships for participating children.
- Raising awareness: Spread the word about the project through social media, community events, and word-of-mouth.
We can empower our children, nurture their talents, and create a brighter future by working together.
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