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
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Years after fleeing war-torn Syria, this man learns what's left of his old home". CBC. 11 Apr 2019.
- ^ a b c "Learning English, finding a job the next big challenges for Syrian refugees". CTV News. 2016-03-18. Retrieved 2021-11-24.
- ^ a b c "Finding Refuge | The story of Hany al Moulia, Syrian Refugee". CJFE | Canadian Journalists for Free Expression. Retrieved 2021-11-24.
- ^ a b "Syrian-born photographer documents refugee family in flux". North Shore News. Retrieved 2021-11-24.
- ^ a b "Catching up with Hani al Moulia, a young Syrian refugee who is thriving". W5. 2016-11-26. Retrieved 2021-11-24.
- ^ "Hip hop artist Classified, Margaret Trudeau expected at Halifax WE day gathering". CTVNews. 2016-11-16. Retrieved 2021-11-24.
- ^ "Local Halifax photography festival features legally blind Syrian photographer". Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia. 18 September 2017.
- ^ a b "Syrian refugee living in Regina chosen for Prime Minister's Youth Council". leaderpost. Retrieved 2021-11-24.