Hiba Mazloum, a 24-year-old keen girl who lives in Douris, Baalbeck is passionate about photography ever since she was a little kid. Hiba was one of the very first people to register in the photography class being provided by the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST), in coordination with UNICEF as part of the “Skills for Active Youth” project, specifically the Competency Based Training (CBT).
Since day one in the course, Hiba showed great efforts and an ambitious talent. She was one of the very dedicated students who took advantage of every expertise provided in the class. Hiba is a member of a very humble family who works in floristry to make a living, and she always wanted to help the family’s business grow. This photography class was an opportunity for Hiba along with many other ambitious youth who are striving for such initiatives in the Beqaa region.
Throughout the course, Hiba improved very fast, as she acquired many new professional skills. Moreover, students were given cameras that they used many times during class visits to destinations full of history, art, and beauty. Students could implement and practice all their skills, as they captured pictures that they kept, edited, and studied with passion.
Hiba stated, “it was one of the best decisions I made because I finally felt that I was doing things I love. The classes were full of positive vibes and I got to know people who share my hobbies and interests. I learned a lot in this course, I now can take more professional pictures, distinguish between a good and a bad image, and compare types of pictures. One great thing I learned is portrait photography, that is now my new hobby that I am eager to improve on”.
Hiba has come a long way since she first attended the photography classes. She learned about graphics, lenses, cameras, and most importantly, she learned to appreciate beauty and believe in her talent. Hiba was encouraged by her teacher and classmates at LOST, and she created a page online where she posted pictures of flowers planted and designed by her parents. Hiba used all the skills and support she got from this experience and started marketing her parents’ flower shop. Hiba’s parents said, “we are happy for her that she is doing something she admires. We hope that we can get her a professional camera for she has helped us promote our little shop. Thank you to the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training for such initiatives and for creating this space for youth”.
