We are all blessed with one talent or the other. But how many of us channel it towards helping make a change? Proving that a good heart and the desire to help others knows no age - Shanaya and Nayantara, two sisters aged 14 and 12, have found a way to use their passion for the greater good.
Their love of photography blossomed early. “When we were very young we took random pictures and they turned out to be reasonably good,” they explained, with pride. Rightfully so, as both Shanaya and Nayantara have gone on to win countless awards, including the UNESCO World Humanitarian Performance Award 2015. Having honed and perfected their photography skills, the two sisters decided to do more with their talent and donate to a cause close to their heart. Having been privy to the destructive force of cancer in a relative and having watched them brave many sessions of chemo, Shanaya and Nayantara decided that they would sell their photographs and donate the money to the Sri Lanka Cancer Society. As a result, “Photocause” - a non profit project - was born in 2011, and has seen the talented young sisters from St. Bridget’s Convent steadily donating since.
Elaborating on “Photocause”, the siblings explained that they generate funds by selling photographs taken by them sized 10”x15” for Rs. 1500 each, with delivery, via their website. “Our first donor was Mr. Susantha Ratnayake, Chairman of John Keells Holdings PLC. So that really motivated us.” Talking about their support system, "It was mostly Dad and Mum. And Sr Alexandra (Principal of St. Bridget's Convent - Collegiate)” they declared, adding “she supported us a lot.”
The sisters have now embarked on a new project “Photocause & Friends 2015” an all island photography competition and exhibition for schools. The event will take place at the National Art Gallery on October 31. Applications are open till September 30.
By Rihaab Mowlana
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