A former arts teacher from Litein, Kericho County, is pioneering a community movement in the United Kingdom, empowering refugees to tell their own stories through the lens of a camera. Sharon Chepchirchir, 27, moved to Swansea, Wales, in 2022 to pursue a Master’s in Communication, Media Practice, and Public Relations, but soon found a new calling that merged her passion for teaching with visual storytelling.

This initiative addresses a critical gap in humanitarian representation: refugees are often the subjects of photographs but seldom the authors of their own stories. Chepchirchir's work is shifting this dynamic, providing not just a skill but a powerful tool for restoring dignity and agency to displaced communities.

A New Lens on Storytelling

While volunteering at the Congolese Development Project (CDP), an organization that assists newcomers in Swansea, Chepchirchir observed how frequently refugees' images were used without their input. This led her to design "Photography 101: Snap & Edit," a hands-on workshop to equip refugees and asylum seekers with the tools for visual storytelling.

The course bypasses the barrier of expensive equipment by focusing on smartphones and basic cameras, making photography accessible to all. The curriculum is designed to build both technical skills and narrative confidence, covering:

• Fundamentals of camera handling and visual composition.
• The ethics of photography, focusing on dignity and consent.
• Techniques for developing a personal story or project.
• Practical photo editing skills.

The impact has been profound. Chepchirchir recalled one young participant who initially only photographed flowers but, as his confidence grew, began documenting his family and daily life. In a multilingual group of Lingala, Swahili, Arabic, and French speakers, photography has become a universal language.

From Kericho Classroom to Welsh Community

Before moving to the UK, Chepchirchir taught art at Litein Day Secondary School and Chelilis Girls Secondary School, a path inspired by her parents, who are both educators. She notes that her work has evolved, but the core mission remains the same. "I never stopped teaching—I just changed the classroom," she stated.

Her efforts are gaining recognition, and she now collaborates with other community organizations like Women for Resources, establishing herself as an emerging leader in Wales. One participant captured the project's transformative power perfectly, stating, "Before, I was just a refugee. Now, I am also a photographer."

Chepchirchir’s journey from the hills of Kericho to the community halls of Swansea is a powerful testament to how local talent can drive global change. Her dream is to expand the workshops across the UK and eventually introduce them to refugee communities back in Kenya. "Talent isn't rare—opportunity is," she emphasized.