PUBLISHED!
We are so excited to introduce you to Samuel Kolile, one of our Students in Kibagare, Kenya. Samuel had his work featured in December on Potentash.com, a prominent blog focused on telling African stories. This was his first solo project, and it was a food photography assignment, which is not the easiest genre to master.
Samuel was up for the challenge and produced some mouth-watering images!
Samuel is also quite an accomplished documentarian as these photographs prove:
Take a look at more of Samuel’s food assignment and the accompanying recipes for unique meat dishes at Potentash.com.
Opening doors to opportunities like this is just one of the ways our Photo Start Action! Heroes are changing the lives of young people in Kenya and beyond. The Photo Start family is a global network of photographers, educators, nonprofit leaders, business professionals, and more who help us connect our students to experiences that they likely would not have had otherwise. This is what makes us unique.
Our program is not a photography class. It is digital technology and business skills. It is storytelling, interpersonal skills, and social emotional learning. It is creativity and self-expression. It is a way out and a way through to a future in focus.
We are looking for new Action! Heroes in the United States, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Israel, Iraq and, for the first time in South America, in Bolivia. Here are ways you can take action:
- Translate our marketing and programming materials.
- Introduce us to new Partners – nonprofits, schools, NGOs with students ready to succeed.
- Connect our Students to opportunities such as having their work featured online or in print, photographing an event, and assisting on a commercial photo shoot.
- Join our team of trainers. We are growing and need photographers, videographers, creative writers, and journalists to work directly with Students in person and remotely.
SPOTLIGHT ON KENYA
Photo Start classes are currently underway with these amazing Partners:
Kenya Community Centre for Learning (KCCL) is a non-profit community school providing alternative education for students aged between 6 and 21 years with diverse learning challenges. Their mission is to empower learners with special needs by providing a holistic education, training and relevant support systems to enable reaching their highest potential and, thereby, lead a happy and productive life. Photo Start modified content to best develop the creative talents of these students, which is building their confidence and connection to others.
Rebirth of a Queen is a shelter for victims of domestic violence. Their mission is to empower, mentor, and walk with a survivor through her journey of healing by creating a sustainable way for her to tap into her power and thrive. Photo Start is using photography and storytelling to help women and their children share stories visually that might be difficult to express in words. The founder, Pauline Juma, explains the origins of Rebirth best. Read her story here.
Kings and Queens of Kibera serves as an opportunity for young street kids, both boys and girls, to quit the street and start going to school, have a roof over their head, and have food on a daily basis. Founded in 2011, today the Kings and Queens of Kibera is an environment for growth, with an all-purpose classroom, separate bedroom wings for the boys and the girls, a kitchen, and a bathroom with showers. Extra attention is given to education, and right now three students are attending university. Photo Start is teaching digital technology through photography to give students many skills employers need today.
