Older refugees ( 55 years +) often stay at home with grand-children, sick or disabled relatives and have few creative opportunities to advocate for their concerns or socialize with their peers. The MY STORY photo project will give this cohort the tools to express their concerns through on-going group photo workshops (February - March 2024).
Since the 2021 coup by the Myanmar army, the refugee population of Thailand has increased to 95,000 people. Many of these refugees cross the border at the Moei River that separates Myawaddy, Myanmar from Mae Sot, Thailand. Once in Thailand, they are subject to police harassment and deportation. This is especially true for elders who are often undocumented and do not speak Thai. They suffer from trauma, stress, and loneliness.
The MY STORY photo project will provide entry-level digital cameras and basic photo instruction so elder participants can document their concerns. The images will be exhibited and sold in Mae Sot, Thailand, ( end of March 2024) and Nova Scotia ( November 2024). Proceeds from the sales will be split 50/50 between the photographer and MSppa. Participants will be able to share their concerns with their peers in a safe space, alleviating some of the loneliness they often feel .
The project will give a voice to 20 elders to express their challenges as refugees on the Thai/Myanmar border. Workshops will be held in a safe space, where participants can share their concerns with one another, reduce their feelings of isolation, and build community.
