Letter to Supporters of the project

March, 2005
Dear supporters,

I just wanted to give all of you a quick update on the children's photo project here in ghana, which all of you are helping to support. Like a lot of things here, it has taken a long time to really set this project up, for the community within the school to know who i am to trust me with doing something that is not just uncommon, but kind of strange too. But now it really feels like we are hitting a stride.

The students are excited about the photography classes. They are shy when talking about their work, but they love seeing each other's pictures. Right now there are three classes of about six students each that meet once a week. it's been interesting to see how these photos come out. This is not a culture that is used to photography and a common photo is that fozen dear in the headlights portrait. But the kids are quick leanrers and we practice things like where to keep the camera so it can easily be used and hidden again before anyone notices. They are given loose assignments to photograph things they see in their lives: their family, their friends, games they play, chores around the house, functions like funerals and weddings.


I say "loose" assignemnts because what I want most is for them to take pictures of what excites them, although at one point i had to put restrictions on photographing the television screen during their favorite telenovela, "Juana La Virgn." (Juana was impregnated while on a routine visit to the doctor, a freak accident...Mauricio is the father. He's married to Carlota who goes nuts when mauricio leaves her for Juana...eventually mauricio has to fake his own death, etc.)
"Juana La Virgin" Sumaiya Hakibu



Nowadays, Eddie will knock on my door early in the morning and remind me to give him his weekly writing assignment if I forget. He's been getting more and more fearless when it comes to walking into the middle of the action and snapping what he sees and he's taken some beautiful portratis of his grandmother outside of their house. As I've mentjoned before, my long term goal is to create some kind of a book comprised of the children's photos and writing, which would sell to raise money to further their education in various forms. I still have to think long and hard about how that is going to work in any kind of sustainable way. Thank you so much to all of you who have helped to make this happen for the kids and for me and you'll hear from me again soon.