Hani Al Moulia is a legally blind photographer and Syrian refugee, based in Regina, Saskatchewan.[1][2][3]

Early life

edit

Hani Al Moulia was born in Syria, and his father is Mohammad Al Moulia.[4]

Al Moulia has nystagmus and cannot see many colours, nor see through a camera viewfinder.[1] He can only focus on things that are within 10 centimeters of his face.[5]

In 2012,[5] he fled violence[6] and persecution[7] in Homs, Syria and moved as a refugee to the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon[1] where he taught himself English.[4]

While in the Bekka Valley, Al Moulia was taught photography at a workshop run by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.[1]

Life in Canada

edit

The Al Moulia family arrived in Canada in 2015.[8] The same year,[2] Hani Al Moulia displayed his work at the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression's gala[5] - it is unusual for amateur photographers to be able to display their work, but an exception was made for Al Moulia.[1]

In 2017, his photography was featured in West Vancouver Museum's exhibit Home/Shelter/Belonging and in the Harmony Arts Festival.[6] The Halifax Festival of Photography, also exhibited his It's Not Impossible exhibition.[9]

Al Moulia served on the Canadian Prime Minister's Youth Council[1] and was a speaker at WE Day events.[7][10]

Education

edit

Al Moulia did not complete high school in order to help his parents with farming sheep.[4]

He is advancing his English at the University of Regina.[1][10]

Al Moulia received a scholarship from Toronto's Ryerson University[1] where he studies computer engineering.[2]

Family

edit

Hani Al Moulia is the oldest of six siblings.[1]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Johne, Marjo (2016-10-13). "Legally blind photographer Hani Al Moulia brings refugee crisis into focus". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2021-11-24.
  2. ^ a b c Fox, Sarah (2017-06-27). "Hani AL Moulia on why technology, education and youth well-being are integral to the future of Canada". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2021-11-24.
  3. ^ "Years after fleeing war-torn Syria, this man learns what's left of his old home". CBC. 11 Apr 2019.
  4. ^ a b c "Learning English, finding a job the next big challenges for Syrian refugees". CTV News. 2016-03-18. Retrieved 2021-11-24.
  5. ^ a b c "Finding Refuge | The story of Hany al Moulia, Syrian Refugee". CJFE | Canadian Journalists for Free Expression. Retrieved 2021-11-24.
  6. ^ a b "Syrian-born photographer documents refugee family in flux". North Shore News. 21 July 2017. Retrieved 2021-11-24.
  7. ^ a b "Catching up with Hani al Moulia, a young Syrian refugee who is thriving". W5. 2016-11-26. Retrieved 2021-11-24.
  8. ^ "Hip hop artist Classified, Margaret Trudeau expected at Halifax WE day gathering". CTVNews. 2016-11-16. Retrieved 2021-11-24.
  9. ^ "Local Halifax photography festival features legally blind Syrian photographer". Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia. 18 September 2017. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  10. ^ a b "Syrian refugee living in Regina chosen for Prime Minister's Youth Council". leaderpost. Retrieved 2021-11-24.