Children of LOVE - Managua, Nicaragua

June 30th, 2008 | Scroll down for comments

Introduction

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. They are children whose lives revolve around La Chureca, the landfill outside of Managua, Nicaragua.

Here is a statement provided by Samantha Oulavang.

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.

LOVE partners with non-profit organizations who represents children whose voices need to be heard. We come to them with the necessary materials to lead photography workshops. Students meet with an instructor/mentor who provides comprehensive training on the basics of photography to begin their creative journeys. The experience culminates the student’s body of work being publicized through online galleries and art exhibitions. Proceeds from the sales of the student’s work are used to further their education and realization of their dreams.

LOVE’s Website is coming soon: www.lensofvisionexpression.org
LOVE on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/love-love

Samantha is currently in Phom Penh, through mid-August, conducting a workshop for children whose lives are affected by the HIV virus.

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Samantha Oulavong herself is a gifted photographer. I’m planning to feature a set of her photographs next week. Later I hope to show photos from her students in Cambodia.

I don’t have the words to express how I feel about photos like these. Skillful photographers enter among the poorest of the poor and take breath-taking images of beauty, suffering, and simple life. In many cases (perhaps I’m being generous), they undertake the work with good hearts and worthy purposes, but not always (and the noblest of intentions can go awry). As pure as their motives may be, they are not completely innocent, nor are they insiders (with exceptions, of course). But when a camera is in the hands of a child, we give a kind of power to him or her, and then we see what an innocent eye observes and records. And even if they are not innocent eyes, because innocence is lost early in some places, at least they are insiders who see up close what we perceive through layers from a distance.

Today I was contacted by another photographer who is training marginalized people to document their lives and vanishing culture photographically. I’m looking forward to showing her students’ work as well. This is a natural direction for GlobalCompassion.com, and I’m looking forward to working with others in the same vein. Feel free to refer them here.

Now what is your reaction to these images? Leave a comment with your thoughts and observations. Then sign up for our email list here so you won’t miss any future exhibitions. Thanks.