Museum of Industry Hosts Afghan Photo Exhibit

Canada's efforts to support development in Afghanistan and plant the seeds of hope come to life in a student photo exhibit from Kandahar at the Museum of Industry in Stellarton opening today, May 17.

Kandahar Through Afghan Eyes 2010 portrays the experiences of 15 students from Kandahar province trained in photography and journalism through a program funded by the Canadian International Development Agency. The exhibit is supported by the Atlantic chapter of Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan.

"The Museum of Industry is pleased to support this exhibit and the work of the Atlantic chapter of Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan" said Debra McNabb, director of the Museum of Industry. "Canadians have a unique connection to Afghanistan and and this exhibit shines a light on its life and through the eyes of young people."

The students were given a camera and visited locations throughout Kandahar to document the residents' colorful, vibrant and sometimes difficult way of life. The resulting exhibit contains 30 posters created by the students.

The photographs cover a wide range of themes including how Afghans earn a living, the food they eat, traditional crafts and their culture. Each image is accompanied by a poem or story that reflects the photographer's message.

Kandahar through Afghan Eyes 2010 is based on a project funded by the Canadian and U.S. governments and was previously exhibited in Kandahar and other Afghan venues as well as in Ottawa and Washington in 2009.

"This exhibit gives us a wonderful opportunity to see a different Afghanistan than we usually see in the mainstream media -- to experience the hope, courage, and potential of Afghanistan's youth and to see the power of education," said Susan Hartley, president of the Atlantic chapter of Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan.

The public is invited to a reception on Thursday, May 19, at 6 p.m. at the museum hosted by Ms. Hartley and Bill Gunn, Atlantic representative of the Canadian International Development Agency.

More information about the exhibit is available by contacting the Museum of Industry at 902-755-5425 or visiting www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/afghans-eyes-yeux-afghans.aspx.

FOR BROADCAST:

A photo exhibit about life in Afghanistan's Kandahar

province is opening today (May 17th) at the Museum of Industry

in Stellarton.

Kandahar Through Afghan Eyes 2010, features the work of

fifteen Afghan students who participated in photography and

journalism training funded by the Canadian International

Development Agency.

The photos show Afghan aspects of local culture, including

employment and everyday life.