11 November 2014 – Almost one year after Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan struck the Philippines, German television has reminded the German public about the communities affected by the world’s strongest typhoon. ARD, Germany’s public service broadcaster recently launched a photo exhibit “The Children of Tacloban – 100 Cameras for 100 Children” at its Central Studio in Berlin.
The photo exhibit is a project of Philipp Abresch, ARD TV’s correspondent based in Singapore. While covering the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan, Mr. Abresch distributed 100 disposable cameras to 100 children in the Tacloban area.
Philippine Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i. Mardomel Melicor emphasized that the “initiative has empowered those who were directly affected by Typhoon Haiyan and has allowed the youth to share their own stories and provide snapshots of how they have persevered and carried on with rebuilding their lives. The photo exhibition reveals that even in their darkest hour, the Filipino people’s resiliency, humor, and hope continues to shine. One year on, communities are still rebuilding their homes, schools, hospitals and businesses… I am confident that this initiative as well as the partnerships and friendships that have been forged between Filipinos and Germans will ensure our shared commitment to rebuild better and stronger after Haiyan.”
The German government and public contributed more than 175 million Euros (approximately USD217,549,503) in relief support to those communities affected by Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan.
For his part, Mr. Abresch expressed his desire to bring the photo exhibition back to Tacloban City. He noted that the exhibition materials were completely waterproof and would be ideal for an outdoor exhibit. The exhibit, curated by the Hamburg Deichtorhallen and also supported by CEWE and North German Radio/TV (NDR), may be viewed online at www.photosofhope.org.
The “Photos of Hope” initiative is a long-term project of Philipp Abresch, which started 15 years ago when he distributed disposable cameras in crisis areas such as Kosovo, Syria, Iraq, Sahara, and the rainforests of Southeast Asia. The idea was to give a voice to young people with the help of photography. END