A project that gives primary school children disposable cameras so they can shoot the world as they see it is being rolled out around the country.
Eden James with her new camera Photo: RNZ / John Boynton
The national launch of the My World My Vision project, which will see 400 cameras distributed to children, took place at Laingholm Primary School in Auckland today.
Photographer Ashok Kochar first launched the My World My Vision project in 2016, with 40 cameras initially distributed to pupils in years 5 to 10 each year.
So far, he has been impressed by the photos they have taken - describing them as "unpolluted."
"Professionals cannot take those images - they cannot come close to those images of a five and six-year-old."
Today, cameras were handed to five and six-year-old pupils - with the idea to give them cameras every year until they finish primary school.
"The beauty of this programme is the parents are being briefed not to tell anything to the child - let him or her do whatever they wish to do."
Former Waitakere mayor Sir Bob Harvey said he was glad to be able to bring the project to students in his own backyard.
"This is very important for them to relate to the natural world or their world and to give them confidence and to encourage them."
Photo: RNZ / John Boynton
An exhibition of the pupils' photos will be held later this year and Mr Kochar would also hold workshops.
Laingholm Primary School principal Martyn Weatherill said it was often difficult to initiate that type of creative project in schools.
He was keen to see the photos that his pupils would produce.
"When we heard the concept behind this plan [it] was something we needed to be involved in - it really is amazing when you see kids taking photographs - just the eye they bring; it's superb."
The project will be rolled out at four schools across the country - with a collection of photos from all 400 cameras to be included in a book.
