Meet the Teachers
Niga Salam, Iraq
NIga is a Kurdish curator, photographer, and artist whose work bridges storytelling, education, and socially engaged art. They began their career at age eighteen as the head of an all-women photography collective launched by Metrography Agency, leading projects that amplify underrepresented voices through visual media.
Their curatorial and artistic practice explores themes of gender, identity, environment, and collective memory. Salam has curated and exhibited projects across Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Lebanon, and the United States. They view exhibitions not just as displays of work but as layered, evolving experiences that foster public dialogue and engagement. Recent projects include Zozan in Vienna and contributions to the Sonic Matter festival in Zurich.
As a photography instructor with Lens on Life, Salam has led workshops in displacement camps in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, empowering young people to use the camera as a tool for reflection, storytelling, and social change. Their work continues to challenge perceptions, inspire communities, and create spaces for voices that deserve to be heard.
Daniel Beloumou, Cameroon
Daniel is a freelance photojournalist born and based in Yaoundé, Cameroon. He studied photography at the University of Perpignan in France and completed internships at Agence France-Presse (AFP) and the newspaper La Provence. Originally pursuing law, Daniel decided to dedicate himself fully to photography, focusing on issues such as migration, politics, health and security crises, and the environment.
Since 2022, Daniel has been leading Lens on Life courses, guiding students in developing their photographic skills and storytelling abilities. His work, which regularly appears for NGOs, local press, and international agencies like AFP, reflects his commitment to impactful visual journalism and empowering young voices through photography.
Grace Museme, DRC
Grace Mazambi Museme is from Goma, where she spent her childhood and completed her nursery and primary studies at the Malkia School Complex. Grace enrolled in the Lens on Life project during her stay in Goma, where she quickly earned her spot as an administrative support teacher. Her dedication to the youth of eastern Congo and her ongoing commitment to empowering young people through visual storytelling exemplify her passionate drive. She remains an integral part of the team, working tirelessly to inspire and support the community through the power of photography and education.
Erica Sokeng, Cameroon
Yemele Sokeng Staelle Erica, a resident of Cameroon and former student of Lens on Life, is now a dedicated photography instructor and facilitator in the Canon Young People Programme (YPP). Her passion for photography quickly grew after joining the program, leading her to mentor others in visual storytelling.
Erica is currently studying journalism at IFCPA–CRTV and holds a trilingual degree in English, French, and Spanish from the Higher Institute of Translation, Interpretation, and Communication in Yaoundé. She is also an active member of the BRIGHT Foundation, volunteering with internally displaced persons from Cameroon’s North West and South West regions.
Beyond photography, she enjoys tourism, hiking, music, and coaching. Erica is committed to empowering youth through creative expression and helping them find purpose through photography.
Alaa Masalmeh, Zaatari Camp
Alaa Al-Masalmeh holds a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Damascus. Despite her academic background, she has cultivated a strong passion for photography. Alaa has participated in numerous training courses in photography and photo editing using programs like Photoshop, earning certificates in the field.
In addition to photography, she has experience in filming and video editing, particularly creating content for social media platforms. Alaa is committed to continuously developing her skills and gaining more experience in visual arts. She enjoys supporting and encouraging others who share her interest, helping them learn the basics of photography and fostering their creativity to reach new heights.
Jean Paul Lunanga, DRC
Lahbang Preston, Cameroon
Lahbang Preston is a Cameroonian photographer and photography instructor with over three years of experience in storytelling, education, and social reporting. He currently teaches under the Lens On Life program through Bright Association where he empowers young people with creative skills. In 2023, he was selected to teach photography in Sierra Leone by the peacebuilding organization Fambul Tok, further cementing his role in using visual art to promote education, communication, and peace.
A high school graduate, Preston holds certificates in Peace Building and Filmmaking, and is currently studying Directing at IFCPA–CRTV. He is passionate about documenting untold stories, preserving cultural heritage, and using photography as a tool for healing and transformation. His guiding belief is that “every untold story is a missing piece of history.”
Corey Baron, NYC
Corey Baron is a poet and photographer from New Rochelle, New York. He earned his bachelor’s degree from New York University, where he studied Media, Culture, and Communication with a focus on visual cultures, along with creative writing.
A distinguished poet, Corey is the winner of the Epiphany Breakout! Writing Prize in Poetry and the recipient of the Judith Lobel Arkin Prize from the Academy of American Poets.
Based in Harlem, Corey dedicates his time to teaching system-impacted youth at Youth Justice Network. As the lead instructor and mentor for Lens on Life in the South Bronx, he has guided students on their artistic journeys, taking them to explore institutions across New York City and broadening their horizons through photography and storytelling. His work aims to inspire young people, helping them discover new passions and empowering them to express themselves creatively.
Ahmad Tawfiq Al-Hariri, Zaatari Camp
Ahmad Tawfiq Al-Hariri is a Syrian visual content creator and photographer with extensive experience in photography, directing, photo editing, and video post-production. Having fled the civil war in Syria, Ahmad has been living in the Zaatari refugee camp, where his connection and dedication to helping young Syrians is his true passion. As a certified photography trainer, he specializes in guiding participants to develop their professional skills through practical, hands-on training. Ahmad has a strong background in cinematic and documentary filmmaking, as well as producing high-quality animation and motion graphics videos. His storytelling approach combines creative vision with technical precision, with a focus on inspiring and empowering youth. His work and commitment reflect a shared belief in the transformative power of visual arts to foster hope, resilience, and positive change within displaced communities.
Michel Basizi, DRC
Michel was born in Bukavu, South Kivu Province, and grew up between there and Goma, in North Kivu, DR Congo. Originally aspiring to be a mechanic like his father, his path changed in 2018 when he discovered photography through the Lens on Life program at CAMME DRC.
The program sparked a passion for visual storytelling and youth empowerment. While studying computer science in secondary school, Michel deepened his skills and began teaching, eventually becoming head photography instructor for Lens on Life in DR Congo. He has served as the lead instructor for the Canon Young People Programme (YPP) and has worked with various NGOs throughout the Kivus. As part of his growth, Michel also trained and taught in the United States through Lens on Life programs in New York.
Michel’s work embodies the organization's mission to help youth heal, reclaim their narratives, and inspire change through photography.