by Kristen Ku
BELIZE CITY, Tues. July 11, 2023
On Monday, July 10, the 2nd annual Breddah Cliff Augustine and United Black Association for Development Educational Foundation (UEF) Summer Youth Film Photography Camp 2023 commenced.
The camp provides a nurturing and engaging space for nine returning campers, who range in age from 8 to 16 years and are from various troubled neighborhoods in Belize City, including Majestic Alley, George Street, Fabers Road, Mayflower Street and Jane Usher Boulevard/Extension.
The campers who were selected had either had prior contact with UEF, as a child of a UEF volunteer, supporter, or associate, or had been recommended by other child organizations.
The summer camp, led by Menyelek “Hydreams” Marin-Coleman, an accomplished international photographer, has taken a significant shift in focus from last year’s community-centered black-and-white film projects. This year, the participants will be exploring nature landscape photography.
As a result, the children will be going on several expeditions to locations known for their natural beauty, such as Herman’s Cave, the Blue Hole, and Placencia.
Volunteer Katie Numi Usher explained the program’s approach this year by stating, “Last year we did mostly portraiture, taking pictures of people. We did short walks around the area, we took pictures of ourselves, we took the cameras home, we took pictures of our loved ones; but this year, they’re going to different locations. I would say that 90% of the children that were here last year, came back, so they have whole new skill sets. There are 3 new students that were introduced to the program, so they have new ideas, and they bring new energy to the group.”
The summer camp is a living tribute to Breddah Cliff Augustine, in whose honor the camp was named. He was a remarkable figure who sadly passed away last year, but his memory lives on through the young minds he continues to inspire.
Elma Whitaker Augustine, his wife, funds the entire program, ensuring that her husband’s legacy thrives, while nurturing the potential and creativity of kids of African or indigenous descent in the Belizean community.
One such young one is Zudie Noralez, a 16-year-old student from Pallotti High School.
“When I first got here, it was quite good, and I got into it,” she says. “We learned how to take pictures. I usually took pictures of myself, but I never took different types of photos.”
Her newfound interest has since extended beyond the confines of the camp, pushing her to take up art classes at school, and learning about the history of art, photo composition, and the art of capturing photos from different angles.
Despite her aspirations to pursue a medical career, Zudie maintains her commitment to the arts. “I always wanted to be a doctor but an artist on the side, but I’m still kind of in between,” she said.
Beyond photography, the camp is also a medium for these Afro-Belizean children to reconnect with their cultural roots. An integral part of the camp is “Afrikan Belizean awareness”, which involves the kids’ knowledge of their cultural heritage and their potential, as reflected in the lyrics of Nina Simone’s iconic song, “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black.”
YaYa Marin-Coleman, the chairperson for UEF and organizer of the camp, took a moment to discuss the technical and logistical aspects of running the camp, and the extensive processes involved in getting their creative projects off the ground.
“The films are sent out via FedEx to the U.S. to be developed and printed, and then digitally sent back. From there they are critiqued by the campers and sent to Angelus Press, who prints them. These pictures are then framed and later curated by Menyelek and Zudie, in collaboration with the Image Factory,” she explained.
One of the defining features of the UEF Summer Camp is its ten-year commitment to the same students, a decision made with the aim to make a sustained impact on the students’ personal and creative growth.
“The intention was always about the liberation of black people and investing in these children long term. Every summer program we get a different set of students, so how do you know, how do you measure the impact on their development on their skill sets, on their growth as human beings?” added Marin-Coleman.
Their long-term vision is to aid these young artists in developing their portfolios and professional skills and seeking international jobs.
The camp will conclude on Friday, July 28, with a public exhibition at the Image Factory. The community is invited to attend and offer their support, both morally and financially.
A host of community partners, including Amandala newspaper, Krem Television, Krem Radio, Keep It Simple Productions, Black in Marine Science, Augustine family and friends, the Imagination Factory, and Mahogany Marin-Panton, have notably come together to make this camp a success.
Notably, some of these campers include: Naveen Tingling, 9, Zodi Noralez, 16, Imani Neal, 13, Jenae Wellington, 9, Amia Ingleton, 10, Sherone Smith, 9, and Denry Marin, 9.