ROMA pupils in Govanhill are using photography to explore their neighbourhood and learn their new language.

Youngsters from Annette Street Primary worked with photographer Lisa Craig to explore their community - from Queen’s Park to Allison Street shops.

Language ceased being a barrier for the children as they were able to express themselves through the camera.

The group of nine was supported by teacher Wendy Etherington.

Wendy, who is based in the school three days a week from the education department’s EAL response team, said: “When I saw the photographs, they brought tears to my eyes.

“The children have really grown in confidence week after week.

“As well as learning new skills and showing a big improvement in how they take their photographs, they have also learned a lot of new language.

“Photography is something they would never have otherwise had the chance to try and this has been fantastic for them.”

The school was given funding from Romano Lav, which is a group for Roma people and based in Govanhill Baths.

All but one of the nine primary six and primary seven children involved is Roma. The ninth boy is part Moroccan and part Italian.

Each youngster is learning English and both Lisa and Wendy said the photography scheme has boosted their language skills.

They all can now talk confidently about apertures, lenses, perspective, textures and colour and they were all desperate to be the first to answer their teacher’s questions on photography.

Lisa said: “The children have done really well and I’ve been very impressed by the quality of their work.

“I’m always surprised during workshops at how other people view things and this was no exception.

“While the language barrier was difficult, it was clear that the children understood what was being asked of them - I could see them crouching down to change their perspectives, for example.”

Youngsters also made new friends in the community, such as local butcher Michael who hung haggises on his ears and posed with a cleaver for one photograph.

Lisa, who lives in the area, added: “As well as speaking to a range of new people, they also got the chance to visit places that are in the local community but that they might not otherwise have the chance to visit, such as Queen’s Park Glasshouse.”

Pupils taking part were Emilia Adamova, 10; Soleda Lingurariu, 11; Moise Milos, 11; Casian Covaciu, 11; Bogdan Lingurariu, 11; Rahela Fekete, 11; Timotei Luncan, 11; Anour Bouzzait, 10; and Bascut Rostas, 11.

Casian said: “It’s taught us to be respectful to one another and share the camera.

“It’s taught us to be respectful to other people and respectful of the area when we are walking around.”

Annette Street Primary is a diverse school with 171 pupils from the Roma community: 118 are Romanian Roma; 50 Slovakian Roma and three Czech Republic Roma. There are also 31 Scots of Pakistani origin; two Italians; one Pole and two Dutch Arabs.

The children’s work will be on display in Govanhill Baths until International Roma Day on April 8.