Tamale, Ghana – March 27, 2025
Educators from the Savelugu, Wa, and Gbeogu schools for the deaf gathered at the Buta Visual Agency Studio in Tamale for a one-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop organized by Foto4Change. The workshop aimed to equip facilitators with the skills to mentor Deaf students in the three schools’ visual storytelling and photography.
Under the theme “Seeing the World Differently: Telling Stories That Matter Through Visuals,” the workshop brought together teachers from special schools in Wa, Savelugu, and Gbeogo. It was part of a broader initiative to promote inclusivity, creativity, and self-expression among Deaf students using photography as a powerful communication tool.
The training was led by two facilitators — Abdul Haqq, a seasoned documentary photographer, and Joseph Nyaaba, an experienced media trainer and inclusive storytelling specialist. Participants were taken through foundational principles of photography, storytelling ethics, and hands-on camera handling sessions designed to build their capacity to support Deaf learners.
In his welcome address, the Director of Foto4Change, Mr Buta Georffrey, emphasized the importance of the project in creating space for marginalized voices. “This initiative is not just about teaching photography; it’s about allowing Deaf students to tell their own stories, to be seen, and to be heard in a way that truly represents them,” he said.
During the first session, Abdul Haqq walked participants through the elements of compelling visual storytelling. Using real-life case studies, he highlighted how photographs can evoke emotions and narrate powerful stories, especially when approached with intentionality and respect for the subjects. He also addressed ethical considerations such as consent and representation, which are critical when working with marginalized communities.
The second session, facilitated by Joseph Nyaaba, a photographer based in the Upper East Region, focused on technical photography skills, including camera exposure, lighting, and composition. Participants practiced these techniques during a hands-on exercise around the venue, capturing images and receiving immediate feedback on their work. Nyaaba encouraged the trainers to connect technical skills with storytelling objectives to support Deaf students in producing meaningful visual narratives.
The workshop concluded with discussions on implementation strategies that will allow for finalizing action plans and collaboratively developing a unified theme to guide student projects throughout the 7-week training phase in their respective schools.
The initiative, still in its early stages, is already showing promise. Participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and practical knowledge to begin mentoring Deaf students in visual storytelling.
The next phase of the program will see trainers implementing visual storytelling sessions in their schools, guiding students toward an end-of-term exhibition that showcases their unique perspectives and experiences.
