Cameras for Kids: Oaxaca

In June 2008, Sam, Liz & Bernice will be going to Southern Mexico to help street children in the city of Oaxaca. We will be working with a grassroots organisation called Oaxaca Street Children Grassroots, which was set up in 1996 to help Oaxaca’s poorest families who cannot afford education, basic healthcare, or a nutritious meal for their children. They do this through a school sponsorship program, a food and medical program, and through providing a community centre. Seventy five percent of the children in the program are indigenous Triqui Indians. The remaining 25% are other destitute indigenous and meztizo families in this area. Education is not “free” in Mexico so the poorest must choose between feeding their children or sending them to school.

To learn more about our partner organisation, please click here.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Through photography, a lens and an image, kids come together, imagination soars and confidence rises!

‘Cameras for Kids in Oaxaca’ is a 4-week photography project. This is not any ordinary photography workshop. We are not focusing on job-skilling, we are focusing on building possibilities for the children!

We will be taking the children out of their hometowns, opening their eyes to places they would not get the chance to see.

We will be exhibiting the children’s photography both in Oaxaca and in Melbourne. Imagine their faces when they see their work on display! Imagine what that would do to their confidence and self-esteem!

The project doesn’t end with the workshop or the exhibition. We will continue to work hard with our partner organisation in Oaxaca to ensure the children get the opportunity to attend and stay in school.

We won’t be able to get the kids off the streets permanently in the short time we’ll be there, but hopefully the confidence, hope and opportunities that are created through this project will take them a much longer way.

The program will involve:

* Basic digital and film photography workshops for 30 children
* Photo excursions around and outside of Oaxaca
* Group discussions, fun feedback sessions and photo exhibitions in the local area
* Photo exhibition in Oaxaca, Mexico, showcasing the children’s achievements.
* A photo exhibition in Melbourne upon our return to raise further funds that will go towards the children’s health and education
* Continue to work with Oaxaca Street Children Grassroots through sponsorship of the children’s education and healthcare.