Photography by children of LOVE at La Chureca, the Managua dump
Andrew Gray (June 30th, 2008)
LOVE stands for “Lens Of Vision & Expression.” LOVE is a fledgling non-profit created by Samantha Oulavong to provide digital photography workshops for non-profit organizations working with marginalized children. All of these photos were taken by her students, whose lives revolve around La Chureca, the landfill outside of Managua, Nicaragua.
The children from LOVE’s workshop have documented their lives photographically and the issues surrounding them: their living conditions, environment, work situations, as well as their dreams for the future. LOVE is addressing these issues by empowering marginalized children to escape the cycle of poverty. Against this background of poverty, the children’s photographs illustrates the dignity and sensitivity of the community and of each other.
By allowing these children the freedom to use their creativity, it gives them a voice that otherwise goes unheard. Because the future of humanity is dependent on children, LOVE is committed to helping marginalized children to be witnesses to their world and to challenge those who have seen their stories unfold through their body of work to take actions.
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Photographed by various children who participated in a LOVE workshop in Cambodia
LOVE’s Website: www.lensofvisionexpression.org
LOVE on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/love-love
July 1st, 2008 at 10:31 am
Some wonderful photos here (make sure to view large image) that also show how accessible photography is.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:39 am
[...] See the children’s work here [...]
July 1st, 2008 at 8:41 pm
This reminds me of Kids With Cameras. Not sure if you’ve seen the movie “Born Into Brothels”,Zana Briski does a similar thing in giving kids in Calcutta cameras.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:02 pm
I personally was very moved by “Born Into Brothels” (have it on DVD), but I can’t speak for Samantha. Another huge resource I’ve just been made aware of is Photovoice (www.photovoice.org).
July 4th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Thanks for the Photovoice link. We are thinking about possibly starting something like this in the Philippines (but on a much smaller scale).
July 4th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
That’s great. If you get it going, send me a set of photos.
July 9th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Andy, thank for sharing my students wonderful work. They will be very happy to know that their photos are being viewed by so many wonderful people here on your website. I shall email the directors of ProNica about this site.
The movie, “Born Into Brothels” moved me as well and it’s what finally inspired me to do this photography workshop:) Life is so wonderful in that respect…we find inspirations through other’s work and we grow as individuals from their experiences…thank you again everyone for sharing your thought and ideas.
Sincerely,
samantha
lensofvisionexpression.org
Sincerely,
samantha
July 9th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Great Website, wonderful photos and project!
congrats!
July 9th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Samantha did a wonderful and beautiful job with these young and talented photographers. A lot of these photographies had the quality of the instant caught and changed in an eternity, as found in Cartier-Bresson’s pictures. Samantha is an example of love for the humankind.I have no words to express the respect and estim, I have for what she is doing with this incredible dedication to it, she has.
July 10th, 2008 at 6:07 am
all beautiful photo in this set, great work in a strong b&w!
July 13th, 2008 at 1:03 am
Wonderful work. I have been a fan of Sam’s for quite a while… good to see not only her talent getting some exposure, but her ability to teach and positively affect the lives of the children of La Chureca.
Her students are better with a point and shoot than I am with my camera!
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