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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 20, 2008 - 41 Local youths express themselves through photography By Hiba Kesebi SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER The voices of Halton's youth were vibrant last week at the Towne Square Gallery where the Our Kids Network held its first ever Seeing Our Voices Exhibit, which showcased 37 photographs taken by 20 youth from all over Halton. The pictures were to reflect an important aspect of the youths' lives. "The project is really about helping people, introducing and educating kids and taking them off the streets," said Shelly Lothian, the Halton senior research advisor for children's services. "It's really interesting to see the problems of kids here," she continued, adding that she believes it's important to use art with kids because it can provide the most accurate images of youths' lives and struggles. And the Seeing Our Voices Exhibit did just that by sharing the stories of youth one frame at a time. Omar Manasreh's photograph was simple, yet its meaning was profound. He took the camera provided to him by the program, and photographed a bus shelter near by his home in Sheridan Woods. There was nothing special about the shelter; it had clear windows, and a bench. In the middle of one of its windows was a circle of red paint. Omar believed the red was painted there by youth not because they wanted to vandalize, but rather because they had nothing better to do. "If there were more things that we can do, youth would do less abuse to society and stay off the streets. That's why I really hope more programs like this are created," said Omar. Omar's brother, Nasser Manasreh, took a picture that depicted how people are neglecting the community by throwing garbage on the ground. Jace Kennedy's photograph was also taken in the Sheridan Woods area. His picture showed a long wall separating two complexes, and it told the story of a separated community. Under his photograph, Kennedy wrote: `This is the fence that divides two complexes. We used to socialize and keep in touch with the other complex, but now with this fence up, it feels like we're at war with each other. This fence represents the boundary between who we can and cannot be. Thirty-four more pictures continued to speak the stories, the struggles and problems of youth and society to those who came into the gallery. Erica Van Roosmalen, the cochair of Our Kids Network Steering Committee, said that the program will add pictures to their data collection, which revolves on the wellbeing of Halton children and youth. "This project is especially important because it puts images and words to numbers that we have in our data collection," she explained. The program gathers data using numerous sources including, surveys, reports, and now pictures. This data is then used to consider changes to the program and create a stronger awareness of children's issues in the community. Assad Moten, a researcher with the Community Foundation of Oakville, ran the photography session with the 20 youths from organizations like the Our Kids ROBERT TETERUCK/ SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER PHOTOGENIC: Student photographer Nasser Manasreh was one of several local youth who used the lens of a camera to show their view of the world. Network, Sheridan Woods Community Housing, System Student Athletic Association, Halton Catholic District School Board, and the Diversity Club from the Milton District High School. According to Moten, "most kids came with little to no knowledge" of photography and cameras. "We discussed photography, taught them how to use cameras, and then we talked about their pictures, what was good and what was bad," he explained, noting that the youth were engaged throughout the process. The exhibit was held from June 3 until June 8. For more information about the Our Kids Network, visit www.ourkidsnetwork.ca. Legendary Ladies AT THE OAKVILLE CENTRE DOWNTOWN OAKVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL & The Oakville Centre present DIANNE REEVES "STRINGS ATTACHED" Thursday, August 7th at 7:00 & 10:00 pm Join four time Grammy Award winner DIANNE REEVES accompanied by superstar guitarists RUSSELL MALONE and ROMERO LUMABO for one hot night of Jazz! SLEEMAN BREWERIES presents LILY TOMLIN Saturday, Sept. 27th at 6:30 & 9:30pm LILY TOMLIN, one of America's foremost comediennes, continues to venture across an ever-widening range of media, starring in television, theater, motion pictures, animation and video. Through her wonderful array of characters, she brings her legendary talent to Oakville for one special night! All performances are at The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts To order tickets call 905-815-2021 or 1-888-489-7784 Order on-line www.oakvillecentre.ca