The book was officially launched on 29 April at 11 Downing Street. It's about as far from the streets of Durban as you can possibly get.
When I returned from Durban with the raw material of hundreds of photographs and thousands of words I had a hunch that turning it into a book was the right thing to do. The kids we met trusted us with their stories and let me intrude into their lives with a camera and I felt the most important response was to ensure their voices were heard by as many people as possible, especially those in a position to make a difference. To be able to launch the project at an event held at the heart of the British Government was an incredible end to this part of the journey.
Through the generosity of Alistair and Maggie Darling, Amos Trust were invited to host a reception for Umthombo at 11 Downing Street and Now I am a person was launched during the evening. Hundreds of copies of the book were distributed and the story is starting to spread.
And yes, I had to speak. And yes, it was terrifying. But what an incredible opportunity to take this project out into the wider world. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.
Top: The famous address.
Bottom: Simon Mayo, Mandi and Tom Hewitt at the launch.
Photographs ©Stacy Anderson.
