Photographer Orson Sieverding presents Images from his visit at the Opera Village

n December 2024, photographer Orson Sieverding visited Opera Village Africa for the first time and documented daily life on site with his camera. He captured special moments with staff members, pupils, and teachers. In April 2025, Orson returned to Burkina Faso with a selection of the photographs he had taken. During a presentation at the Opera Village, he showcased the images on a large screen. For the children, it was an exciting and joyful moment: they commented on the pictures with laughter and enthusiasm, recognized themselves and their friends, and shared their impressions with one another. These images are not only a way to remember meaningful moments from everyday school life — they also help strengthen the children’s sense of self.

Seeing themselves in a different context — being noticed and made visible — can help children become more aware of their role in school and community life. The photo presentation offered them a new perspective on their daily environment and enabled them to see it with fresh eyes. It was more than just a retrospective; it was also an expression of appreciation for the children and their lived reality.