Bradford Cathedral hosts exhibition on African children's lives (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Cathedral hosts exhibition on African children's lives

9:00am Tuesday 25th September 2012 in News

Children’s battle for survival on the streets of Africa is captured in a photography exhibition which opens at Bradford Cathedral next week.

Titled “Our Streets”, it has been organised by charity worker Andy Baines – the youngest son of the Bishop of Bradford, the Right Reverend Nick Baines, who spent half a year working for UK charity Street Action in South Africa and Burundi.

He teamed up with two photographers, Lizzie Everard and Bex Morton, who also spent time working with the street children, to bring the exhibition to Bradford until October 26.

“Throughout the six months I worked with the projects in South Africa and Burundi, the children’s stories never ceased to amaze me,” said the 24-year-old.

“From young Derek, who arrived alone on Burundi's streets aged two, but who is now attending school, to 13-year-old Nthando in Durban who has become a South African surfing champion, I was continually inspired.”

Mr Baines said Street Action helped children escape the danger and destitution of life on the streets by giving them financial help and the necessary support to build new lives.

“Street Action not only supports the projects financially, but aims to raise awareness of the issues faced by these street children in order to create longer-lasting change,” he said.

“This exhibition aims to do exactly that, offering a glimpse into some of these children's lives,” said Andy, who is studying for a Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution at King’s College, London.

The Bishop has given his support to the exhibition, which wuill be unveiled on Wednesday, October 3, between 6.30pm and 9.30pm.

He said: “The photos offer a moving and challenging insight into the lives of the street children.

“The fact that many of these photos show beaming and affectionate children makes them all the more poignant.”

For more information go to streetaction.org/ourstreets