Seeing Rwanda Through The Eyes Of Children
Some people think of art as secondary to our other, more basic needs. But we know the truth: Art can change lives. Through the Eyes of Children: The Rwanda Project is a perfect example of this concept.
The Rwanda Project is an ongoing project, in which children at the Imbabazi Orphanage are equipped with cameras, professional instruction and a chance to express themselves through photography. The resulting images are stunning, but what's even more impressive is their purpose: All proceeds from the sale of their photography goes to funding the education of the young artists.
After viewing some of the amazing art work, we sat down with Joanne McKinney to talk about her involvement with The Rwanda Project. Our Q&A with this inspiring woman, below.
How did you get involved with The Rwanda Project?
A good friend of mine, David Jiranek, started the project in 2001 after visiting Rwanda for the first time. I became involved shortly thereafter, supporting him in the development of the project website and as a film editor for the project. When David died suddenly in an accident in 2003, I stepped forward to keep the project alive, along with two other women who had also been involved with the project—Kristen Ashburn, a celebrated photo journalist who had been teaching the kids photography and Jenifer Howard, a PR specialist who had been handling the project's publicity. We couldn't bear the thought that these children, who had lost so much, were about to lose both a person they loved and admired, as well as the photography that he brought into their lives.
What has been your most inspiring moment working with The Rwanda Project?
My biggest inspiration in the last year, has been helping these deserving students find a way to attend University in Rwanda. They have worked so hard in school, many at the top of their classes, and are qualifying for University. However, without parents, it's impossible to afford the tuition and costs. When we were last in Rwanda in 2011, I personally made a promise that I would try to find a sponsor to pay for University for any of the kids that qualified. Last year, I was able to tell 5 students that, through the generosity of friends and family, they would be heading for University. This year, 3 students have received the same good news. I have to say, those announcements were some of the happiest and most inspirational moments of my life.
What makes this cause unique and important?
This cause is unique and important because it's about 19 kids who have managed to create an amazing body of work, documenting their country as it struggled to rebuild, following a terrible genocide. Their perspective is unique, unparalleled, and perhaps the largest photo history of its kind from Rwanda.
How can our readers help?
Readers can help in many ways—they can share the children's work via Facebook and spread the word. They can organize exhibitions of the work in their country or city. They can also help support the kids as they begin their "pay it forward" project—teaching photography to other children in Rwanda—by making a donation. They can purchase photographs and contribute to the educational fund for the photographers and the orphanage at our website on on facebook.