The Stranger Series by Arteh Odjidja with Coram's Young Citizens Ambassador group

THE STRANGER SERIES PROJECT

with Coram's Young Citizens and Photographer Arteh Odjidja, supported by Leica Camera UK.

Young Citizens mentees Nouh Issa and Joudy Al-Dabbas introducing our Stranger Series portrait project to the Queen at Coram HQ London. 5/12/18 Photo by Sam Melish

The Stranger Series project with Coram’s Young Citizens with Photographer Arteh Odjidja, Supported by Leica Camera UK

Since August 2017 I had been working closely with Coram’s Young Citizens programme, to develop a 4 month and 3 cycle workshop programme to get the young people engaged in the process of self expression and story telling through photography. During the programme we mentored the young people how to Set goals, Build a photo project, Communicate their ideas and Create a portrait series that would be exhibited during Refugee Week - June 2018 and beyond.

Photo taken from one of our workshops in January 2018

THE STRANGER SERIES - MIGRANT DREAMS.

by Arteh Odjidja.

The Stranger photographic series by Arteh Odjidja is a portrait based project, showcasing the inspirational stories of young migrants and refugees from all parts of the world. Giving them the opportunity to share their individual experiences of leaving their country of birth and all that they’ve known, to discover new purpose and opportunities in major cities around the world.

Arteh’s aim for this project is to create an engaging aspirational visual showcase of individual migrant stories, which the viewer can relate to and also be inspired by. We hope the project will invite open discussion into the humanity behind migrant statistics and for others to see their stories and be reminded that we are all human with an innate desire to grow as beings and reach our full potential. Our chosen migrants will be examples of what is possible when an individual(s) is given the opportunity to pursue their dreams with a desire to also lift others needing support and opportunities. Whiles also embracing and contributing to their new home city and culture.

Find out more about the Stranger Series

Coram is a charity that has been helping vulnerable children since 1739.

Today, as they prepare for the 350th anniversary of the birth of their founder, Thomas Coram, they help more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year.

Coram’s vision is that every child has the best possible chance to live a fulfilling life. They support children and young people from their earliest days to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.They help build their confidence; they help them to develop skills; they uphold their rights and they find loving adoptive families for the most vulnerable.

Young Citizens is one of Coram’s ambassador programmes, empowering young people to change their own lives and the world around them.

Coram is based in London with teams across the capital and in East Anglia and the East Midlands.

www.coram.org.uk

CORAM'S YOUNG CITIZENS PROGRAMME

CORAM'S YOUNG CITIZENS PROGRAMME

Coram’s Young Citizens is an ambassador group of 16-30 year olds from migrant and refugee backgrounds. The group are passionate about using their experiences to make a difference to the lives of other children and young people who are new to the UK.

"We are excited to be working together with Arteh Odjidja and The Strangers Series to empower the group to develop their creative skills and get their voices heard. Through their images they will challenge discrimination and negative stereotypes by showcasing their achievements and goals. The images will also demonstrate that the young people are role models to others and aim to give inspiration to other children and young people who are new to the country."

-Amy Spiller Programme Manager (HALO & Young Citizens)

"I have always wanted to give back to the society and want to use my stories to motivate and encourage young people".

-Young Citizens ambassador

www.coram.org.uk/youngcitizens

Supported by Leica Camera UK

Thank you Leica Camera UK.

The support from Leica Camera UK has been amazing and so true to the spirit of the brand. They have committed to supplying us with cameras over the period of January to June 2018 and then exhibiting our joint The Stranger series project with Coram's Young Citizens, supported by Leica Camera UK Exhibition, happening in June for Refugee Week 18-24th June 2018. We will create stunning images inspired by aspirational migrant and refugee stories with the support of Leica camera UK.