debby besford photography
New Project - 2010
The Hawthorne Centre is a unique place for juveniles because it only houses eight to ten young people at a time. The current director, Emile, established the centre in 1994. Initially this was called a Hobby Farm because it offered the facility of karting and in particular for the disabled. The inspiration came to transform it into a more serious commitment when a friend of Emile's brought a young boy who was in trouble to stay at the farm. From that moment onwards the idea evolved of accommodating more young people and is now officially recognised as a trusted third party, which means to care for juveniles placed by the Court of Justice.
The aim is to integrate these boys back into society and into school and if possible to find a skill or apprenticeship for them to follow. The ages of the boys range from fourteen to eighteen years. The opportunities to learn other skills in their leisure time vary from mechanics, repairing quad bike engines to screen-printing, painting and gardening. The quad circuit is a dominant part of the farm and is open to the public at weekends. This gives the the boys an opportunity to be in contact with people.
Each day starts at 7am for breakfast and then to school or workshops. They have individual rooms and some shared rooms. Each boy is appointed a task everyday of preparing the table, cooking and cleaning. The staff are very dedicated and encourage and support them until they are ready to leave and make their own way. There is a strong bond between the staff and the boys which is built on friendship and trust.
This photographic project is in its primary stages and will take a number of visits to discover the many layers that make up the centre and the people. It is a privilege to be working alongside the staff and the boys and have permission to continue to explore in-depth this special place - the only one of its kind in France.