Kids' cameras focus on quakes

For 12-year-old Jade Harrison-Best, the most positive thing to come out of the earthquakes is her dog, Inka.

Jade and her family adopted Inka from a litter abandoned in the wake of last year's devastating February 22 quake that changed their lives forever.

A photograph of Inka taken by the outgoing South New Brighton School pupil on the sand dunes, features in a photography exhibition depicting the effects of the earthquakes through children's eyes.

The exhibition organised by UNICEF, opens today at the Canterbury Museum.

Jade said her life had been shaken by last year's devastating events.

She was living in Glenorchy when the February quake struck.

``But knowing it happened in the city I was born in was the worst thing.''

Some family members moved away and it was hard to keep in contact with them, ``which is sad''.

 ``We have moved on. We try to forget it ever happened,'' said Jade.

She said taking part in the photography project was a positive experience for her.

``It was really fun and exciting. My family were really proud of me. I learned a lot and made new friends.''

A children's view on how the Canterbury earthquakes have changed their lives is the subject of the exhibition.

The photo essay Christchurch: See Through My Eyes shows the work of 24 children from 17 schools affected by the
earthquakes.

Children aged between 11 and 14 took part in two workshops where they learnt about photography and how to
tell their stories. 

The 24 photographs on display were selected from thousands taken by the children.

The exhibition runs until January 27.