Forty deaf students from Thailand, Cambodia, Bhutan and Myanmar were trained with basic photography skills to provide a platform to develop a career and to enhance deaf’s innovation. The Foundation for the Deaf in Thailand under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen believes “young Photographer” with hearing disability express themselves better with photographs.
The three-day training at Bangkok organised by Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Foundation of Deaf in Thailand took students to various locations such as temples, beach, aquarium and on streets to take photographs.
For the 10 deaf students from Wangsel Institute of the Deaf in Paro, it is their first time in Bangkok.
“I always wanted to become a photographer. The knowledge and the skills I learned here, I would like to go back and teach my friends. And I also want to become a teacher who teaches photography at the Institute,” Jigme Choden, a student of the Institute said.
“I am so happy to get this opportunity. It has equipped me with lots of skills, techniques and I am familiar with rules to take photographs. I never thought I would get such an opportunity,” Lhakpo, another student, said.
At the photo exhibition, Rinchen Buda, a class ten student from Bhutan was awarded the best photographer. Her composition, lighting and framing of the temple caught the attention of the audience.
Like her, three other students were also awarded a certificate for taking pictures that shows the authenticity of Thailand.
Students from other countries who are also a member of the photography club have seen seniors in their school become a professional photographer. This has inspired the students to take up photography.
“I love taking photographs of different culture and different architects of different countries. In future, I hope to become a good photographer,” said Phan Lin Phane, a student from Mary Chapman School for the Deaf, Myanmar.
“I like taking photographs so that I can share what I experience to the world and I want to document my life through photographs. Despite the skills, this training has given the opportunity to meet other deaf students, whom I shall cherish throughout my life,” said Um Saosbkun, a student from Siem School, Cambodia.
With the skills and training provided by the Foundation, Ministry of Tourism and Sports in Thailand expects the government of Bhutan to assist Bhutanese deaf students with job opportunities.
“Nowadays, we use a lot of technology like video camera, cell phone and all that. If they know how to take a good photo, they can make their own profession. Later on, they can use their skills and experience as a profession or as their career. In Thailand, we train our deaf people to take photographs, to make a video. They don’t require any hearing,” said Dr Maliwan Tammasaeng, the Chairperson of Academic Committee, Foundation for the Deaf in Thailand under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen.
Wangsel Institute for the Deaf was established in 2003. This is the third time deaf students from Bhutan are participating in the Photography training in Thailand. Photography Club in Wangsel Institute was first formed three years ago.
Sangay Chezom
