Because I am a Street Girl - MARIAMOU

Photo © MARIAMOU

Essamba Home Foundation is a home for street girls with the goal of improving the living conditions of Yaoundé (Cameroon) street children. It aims to introduce a series of creative exercises, and lessons that help them escape their isolation and dismal living conditions. The long-term goal is to provide a purpose in life for these underprivileged children so that they can build self-respect and acquire skills for a brighter future.

Learn More: www.essambahome.com

Photo ©  MARIAMOU


Angele Etoundi Essamba, professional artist photographer, together with 3 local coaches, selected about 10 girls between 14-18 years out of the target-group to participate in the pilot-project “Because I am a street girl”

The girls received their first camera; within 2 weeks, they received traineeship, and workshops on photography. After receiving instruction on the use of a digital camera, the girls were encouraged to express and record their daily life, surroundings, dreams, and aspirations. The pilot project leads to team forming by sharing a common experience and forming mutual ties. This, all together, increased the girls feeling of self-esteem.

Photo ©  MARIAMOU

I met Angèle Etoundi Essamba back in 2007 when she held an exhibition in Kulturhuset, Stockholm. Her project in Cameroon with the street girls is important and beautiful. I will publish some more photos taken by the girls in the coming days. Please have a look at the video too and like the facebook page facebook.com/EssambaHomeFoundation
- Ulf