PIGA PICHA

Exhibit up in Ottawa!

2010-08-11T19:25:00.004-04:00

Habari everyone!
For the first time in a while, the photos from this project are being exhibited in Ottawa. They went up recently at The Green Door Restaurant and will be on display until Saturday, August 21. So far, response has been quite positive so I'd like to encourage you to go check it out and have some yummy food!

The photos cover the walls of the restaurant but here's a quick shot of one of the walls.

And some more precise informations:

PIECES OF INNOCENCE
Une innocence en morceaux
Photographs by Kenyan HIV orphans / Photographie par des orphelins kényans affectés par le VIH

Presented by the Tumaini Children’s Project / présenté par le Tumaini Children’s Project

du 25 juillet au 21 août 2010 | July 25 - August 21, 2010
The Green Door Restaurant
198, rue Main Street Ottawa (Ontario) K1S 1C6
ouvert du mardi au dimanche 11h à 21h | open Tuesday to Sunday 11 am - 9 pm

Also, to stay on top of what the Tumaini Children's Project has been doing this summer, be sure to follow @TumainiChildPrj on Twitter!

Thanks all of you for your support!

Summer workshop recap & World Youth Conference

2009-10-13T22:42:00.006-04:00

Fall is in full swing and we're planning some exhibits for 2010 but we're here to quickly let you know about something rad we were up to this summer.

Paul was invited to teach a photography workshop to kids at the Jaku Konbit summer camp in Ottawa. It was essentially a mini-Piga Picha workshop where he taught kids (and a few keen adults!) some basics in expressing themselves with photography.

Here's a pair of photos taken by the kids

We're all super impressed with the skills each participant showed after even one lesson. Hopefully they all continue practicing around their neighbourhood! This workshop really showed that with after taking several hundred photos taken on each one during workshops in Kenya, Toronto and Ottawa, some of our cameras are approaching the end of their lives. Lets see how much longer they last...

Here's a photo of Paul teaching the workshop

Also, in August 2008, Alyssa was invited to make a presentation at the World Youth Congress in Québec City. Pretty huge. She met tonnes of wicked people there and had an awesome time. This conference was so soon after our trip to Kenya and everything was so so fresh. Something she just found though is a book that details all the projects featured at the World Youth Conference last year. What a neat thing to look back on. This is being distributed worldwide which is pretty amazing. Our page can be seen below but you can download the whole thing if you want at wyc2008.qc.ca.

Video about Kenyan photography project

2009-04-28T18:36:00.002-04:00

From Kenya to kissing and back again...

When we were in Kenya last July, I committed to making a short video about the project and I'm very happy to say that it's now ready!

It wasn't easy though. We interviewed a few people in Kenya and when I came back, eager to get working on it, I tried listening to the interviews but somehow, while looking at the photos was easy, hearing these voices that I knew were now so far away was a real struggle.

Anyway, I finally, got the courage to sit down and listen to them late last year and started editing...putting sound to images. I miss the kids so much, it's still weird to hear their voices but I hope that I've done them justice and I hope that you can take something from their stories.

Josephat. Good dude. Always wanting to make photo. HIV+ but one of the most healthy looking of the bunch. (Photo by Felix Ojuang)

The touring Pieces of Innocence exhibit that has been going on since October 2008 has 16 photos in total and so far, that's pretty much all the public has seen. This video is special because it features 66 photos and interviews with two kids (Lorine and Peter) along with Sister Philomena who managed the orphanage.

It's 7 minutes 27 seconds long so as far as internet videos go, it's kind of a behemoth but please do watch. The kids deserve it for real.

A page from Lorine's photography journal. This guy was totally joksing.

Also, the song the kids are singing at the start and end goes something like "Sisi watoto tuna akisetu" which is Kiswahili for "We, the children, have rights." The best part about this song was that the kids first sang it to us when we gave them soccer balls. Reacting to some kids who didn't want to share, others joined together in a loud chorus as if not getting a ball of their own was a human rights violation up there with child trafficking. Oh so adorable and oh so real.

Watch it here

And since we're so web savvy:
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Internet

Piga Picha Toronto

2009-02-26T12:35:00.003-05:00

After the success of Piga Picha Kenya, in October 2008 we started similar "Kids with Cameras" program in Toronto. This time, however, we ran the program in the classroom of a local public school where Joanna Weis (a member of the Piga Picha team) teaches grade 7. Each of the 15 children, after hearing the Piga Picha story, received a camera that had been previously used by one of the orphans at St.Clares during the Piga Picha Kenya project. It truly seemed to motivate the students in Toronto to hear of the children who had taken a similar adventure half a world away.

Through the weeks we created various exercises and field trips to help expand their vision of what it meant to communicate through photography. In explaining why they had taken a certain shot at a certain angle, the students began sharing their feelings and thoughts. The young students used the photography lessons as a mode of self expression and also developed critical thinking skills--this artistic and emotional development is so important to the discovery of their identities and their role as innovators, social reformers, and leaders.

For the first couple of weeks while I got to know the students at the school I was constantly reminded of children from Kisumu. Children regardless of circumstances often need the same things: a sense of community, a sense of being understood, someone to listen. When asked to photograph their school, their neighbourhood, city, family, and selves the children often brought back photos that were not only poignant but also a distinct record of the times that we live in.

Black History & Toronto Exhibit

2009-02-19T17:20:00.005-05:00

Habari?! It's been a while but we've all been pretty busy. Prints of the photos from Pieces of Innocence are still for sale so get in touch if you'd like more information on buying a photo! We're always looking for volunteers too.

When I last wrote, it was a few days before a one-night showing of the photos during a Christmas concert in Ottawa presented by Ferline Regis. The photos were well received and we were even able to raise some money for future projects.

More recently, we showed the photos during a Black History Month event at the National Library and Archives of Canada. The exhibition was alongside a screening presented by Partnership Africa Canada and the Colours of Africa Film Festival. Everyone was so nice and the screening, a presentation of four of the six episodes of Africa Dreaming was super interesting too.

Serious thanks to Godwin, Sanjay and Sarah at Black History Ottawa for inviting us to be involved with this event. Thanks again to Ferline for having us be part of her concert in December. A huge huge huge thanks to anyone who attended these events and is now reading this blog. After the kids, this is basically for you so hopefully you like what we're doing.

Meawhile, Alyssa in Toronto has been crazy busy planning an exhibit at Tan Coffee (992 Queen Street West) for March. This should be pretty fun. If you're in Toronto, please do check it out! There will be an opening on March 12...more info to come.

And now, a few photos from the two events I just talked about...

One night showing December 16!

2008-12-09T19:12:00.003-05:00

This coming Tuesday, December 16, 2008, Pieces of Innocence, the collection of photos captured by Kenyan HIV orphans in July 2008, will be shown during a benefit concert presented by Ottawa singer Ferline Regis.

This Christmas gospel concert is an annual event and this year, the Tumaini Children's Project was selected as the beneficiary! This is a pretty exciting opportunity for us to continue sharing the stories and hope with people in the community here.

The concert will take place on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at the Orléans Theatre (225 Centrum Blvd, Ottawa). Doors open at 6:30pm. Admission is by donation.

Come out and support this event!

Sale is done. Bits of news!

2008-11-13T20:01:00.003-05:00

The Pieces of Innocence exhibit at Foreign Affairs headquarters in Ottawa is now over. Thanks to everyone who went to check it out. I'm still amazed by how these photos made it so far.

If any of you have thoughts of the images, feel free to share in the comments.

Thanks also to everyone that purchased one! If you were interested in getting one but missed the auction, get in touch and we might be able to sort something out!

This weekend, the images will be on display during a private function in Parliament and on December 16, they'll be shown at a Christmas concert. This concert is a benefit for the Tumaini Children's Project and should be quite awesome. I'll post more information about it when it becomes available.

Things with TCP are getting to be pretty exciting. Stay tuned and thanks for reading!

Merci!

Pieces of Innocence photos for sale on eBay!

2008-10-21T21:38:00.004-04:00

Alright! There's been a lot of talk about exhibits and all but never have each of the 16 photos actually been shown here. That is changing RIGHT NOW. For the first time, you can now see the photos that are on display at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa until October 31, online! I'm pretty excited about this. Are you?

Each photo you see in this post is being auctioned on eBay. If there's one that interests you, you should click on it. This will lead you to the auction page where you can learn more about the individual photograph and place a bid!

The auctions will run until the end of the exhibit on October 31.

Proceeds from the sale of these photos will go back towards youth projects in Western Kenya which is pretty awesome. This is a unique opportunity for you to play a part in making a difference in the lives of Kenyan children!

Boy against a wall. Blaise Omondi, 12-years-old.

Walking at the primary school. Christopher Omondi, 10-years-old.

Multipurpose building at the orphanage. Christopher Omondi, 10-years-old.

My friend laughing. Damacrine Kwamboka, 10-years-old.

Hide and Seek. Damacrine Kwamboka, 10-years-old.

My hand in Lake Victoria. Dennis Mukwa, 10-years-old.

Self-Portrait. Dennis Mukwa, 10-years-old.

Moments from the water. Felix Ojuang, 9-years-old.

Walking at the orphanage. Felix Ojuang, 9-years-old.

Mary Claire in class. Felix Omondi, 8-years-old.

Friends at school. Felix Omondi, 8-years-old.

AIDS - Where did you come from? Grace Awuor, 9-years-old.

My friends in the truck. Grace Awuor, 9-years-old.

Mary Vivian. Lorine Akinyi, 12-years-old.

Joy shows off a doll. Mary Claire Auma, 9-years-old.

My sister and friends. Mary Claire Auma, 9-years-old.

Awesome photos right? These kids all worked really hard and I miss them so much. It's amazing to me that their work has come this far. So proud. SO PROUD!

There's more going on with Piga Picha and Pieces of Innocence too. Joanna and Alyssa have started a similar workshop at Regent Park Public School in Toronto. Alyssa and Catherine are planning an exhibit in Toronto and Jenny's got things rolling in North Bay. Exciting times for us. Exciting times for the Tumaini Children's Project.

Thanks to everyone for their support and for reading this blog to follow our progress! xox

Also, shout out to MoreTimeMoms, GPC Labworks and Michelle's FrameMaker and Gallery. Huge support. HUGE!

The exhibit is up and photos will be for sale soon!

2008-10-11T12:25:00.005-04:00

We're a week into the exhibit now. Setting it up and the response has been pretty overwhelming. In Ottawa, CBC, CHUO and CKCU have each covered the exhibit. Sometimes twice.

A big thank you to anyone that has gone to see the photos already. A lot went into getting the photos created in Kenya and then finally mounted on a wall. The list of thank yous is way too long (you can see it at the exhibit) but really, it is so appreciated!

The photos will be up in the lobby of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa) until October 31. If you haven't seen these photos yet, make the trip. It's worth it!

In an effort to raise money for the Tumaini Children's Project, a print edition of the photos that are part of the exhibit will be auctioned on eBay between October 21 and 31. More information will be posted here on the 21st but you should bookmark the Tumaini Children's Project eBay page anyway!

Here it is: http://myworld.ebay.ca/tumaini_childrens_project

Upcoming stuff in the works includes Black History Month in Ottawa, an exhibit in Toronto and another in North Bay. There might be some other events in December too but I don't have the details in front of me right now so I'll leave it at thatl.

Upcoming exhibit in Ottawa!

2008-10-01T16:20:00.000-04:00

Things have been a little quiet over here but believe us...they have not been inactive!

We're just days away from launching a major exhibition called Pieces of Innocence in the lobby of the Pearson Building (Foreign Affairs headquarters at 125 Sussex Drive in Ottawa). The exhibit will be open to the public from Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 31, 2008.

For more info on the exhibit, you can check out the event page on Facebook.

It would also be super cool if you joined the Tumaini Children's Project Facebook Group!

I also want to say thank you, asante sana (Kiswahili) and ero komano (Luo) to some of our major supporters including MoreTimeMoms, GPC Labworks and Michelle's Frame Maker and Gallery in North Bay. Michelle was completely stupendous and provided an overwhelming contribution in framing supplies for this exhibit. A lot of other businesses in North Bay supported the project too. Thanks to everyone for their generosity.

If you've been following this blog, you know what's up but if not, this summer, a few of us went to Kenya to teach a photography workshop at an HIV orphanage. We've been back since early August and have since made presentations at the World Youth Congress in Québec City, Zoom in on the World in Pembroke and at World Global Health Day at the University of Ottawa Medical School.

That's it for now, I think. More to come later. Leave a comment if you have any questions!

The World Youth Congress

2008-08-21T09:23:00.001-04:00

I must say, it was an incredible privilege to take Piga Picha to the World Youth Congress in Quebec. With a warm atmosphere of enthusiasm the 500 delegates from 120 different countries set up exhibitions, gave workshops, participated in international dialogues, and went on the World Youth Walk.

The photographs by the children were exhibited all week and it was wonderful to stand along side and answer questions and give more information about the project and the children at St. Clares. Later in the week Julie and I gave a workshop outlining the project with the hope of helping delegates create similar projects in their own or other countries. There was a lot of enthusiasm about the project, and it was a great opportunity to discuss it with an international group.

All in all it was a truly inspiring experience. The congress had an air of hope around it (and after all, "Tumaini" means hope!) It was wonderful to meet other delegates working and living in Kisumu, to hear about other potential project ideas, and most of all to see the incredibly positive reaction to the photographs by the children.

All for now,

Alyssa

And the show begins!

2008-08-10T12:05:00.000-04:00

We're back in Canada now, and missing our friends in Africa.

However, there is no shortage of things to do here! So not much has changed in that regard.

On Wed, Alyssa is teaching a workshop at the World Youth Congress, discussing how to go about a project like ours. She will be showing some of the photos, and discussing the hows and whats for people to be able to implement such a project themselves.

And Paul has been busy organizing our first exhibit in Ottawa. Here's the first press release by the Department of Foreign Affairs who will be hosting the show in October.

We know you are all anxious to see the photos that the kids have taken. And all I can say is, you should be!! It's an excellent show, and we are extremely excited to share it with you.

Piga Picha Party!!!

2008-07-27T08:33:00.000-04:00

Can I tell you a secret?
I'm relieved that yesterday is over!
So much planning and so much work went into our community party, and I'm really happy to say that it went off beautifully!!

In order to get people to come, we decided to make flyers and hand them out to people passing in the street. Here are some of the children watching the excitement from the orphanage gate, underneath our party banner.

At 11am, the festivities began! We had football (soccer), facepainting, crown-making and balloons.
Surrounding the property, the show was on display. We had easels made that we painted, which showcased two images per board. The show is called, 'Pieces of Innocence', and will be coming to a gallery near you in the coming months.

To keep the day flowing, we had excellent facilitators. They MC'ed, led dance competitions, brought rappers, and entertained for hours.

One of the most important things the facilitators did, was break our guests up into groups and discussed issues such as HIV/AIDS, poverty, orphans and the relationship between them all.
Our hope was for this dialogue to bring St. Clare's orphanage into their local radar, and also to bring their own personal sense of responsibility to the forefront of their minds.
Our only hurdle yesterday was that lunch was very late. Late, even for African time! However, eventually the pilau did arrive, and all the children squished tight together in a single file line to get their meal.

At the end of the day, our guest of honour, Wendy Muckle (who had just arrived from Canada that morning) , gave a brief speech honouring the photographers and the importance of the work they are doing.

She also handed out the certificates of completion that we gave each student in our Piga Picha program.

And suddenly, that was it. The end of our session here. Words cannot describe how hard it was to say goodbye to our new friends, who we have grown to love enormously. Watching them pack themselves into the van for the last time before driving away was heartbreaking.

It might be the end of this program, but it is never goodbye.

Boda bodas, Back to the Future, Bracelets, and some white paint.

2008-07-24T05:48:00.000-04:00

Waking up here makes me laugh every time.

Knock knock "ALYSSA, it's 8!", Jenny or Paul knock on mine and Catherine's door and I know that I can't squeeze any more sleep in although I may try. I know it's time to rise, and a whole day of surprises lay ahead.

It's funny how Kisumu has absorbed us. If there is water we might attempt a sponge bath, if not - it's make shift coffee, some oats, and out the door we go. We find the nearest Boda boda driver (bicycle's that you sit on the back of), we ride into down for internet access, food supplies, and project materials. This morning in particular Catherine and I walked to the orphanage with a pile of cardboard on our shoulders. It has become so natural.

Yesterday was great. Joanna stopped by for a visit before boarding her plane (destination- home), Jenny stuffed loot bags for the children (we're giving them out on Saturday) and cleaned house, Paul met with the facilitators for Saturday (who are experienced in the art of conversation about AIDs/HIV), Steve Obeto painted the banners, Catherine and I picked up the large exhibition prints and painted the exhibition stands. Our Kenyan colleagues would laugh and tell you that we were "covered from head to toe" in white paint... I say that is a mild to accurate exaggeration. We settled down for the night with Paul's homemade Lentil soup and talked about "Back to the Future" and the activities we will run at the block party on Saturday. We decided on a balloon game, a soccer challenge, face painting, and crown making.

In short, things are being completed around here, and I am really proud of the team. Today Paul, Catherine, Steve Obeto, and I will be framing the prints, and Jenny is working on letters for the children. Later we'll head to the Primary school (for the last time!). There, Jenny and I will make bracelets with the children, Paul and Catherine will do audio interviews for the online slideshow we will make back in Canada.

Saturday's party is really shaping up. Activities in the morning, then lunch, then time for the facilitators to help us start conversation with the community about the stigma related to HIV/ AIDs. After that our guest of honour Wendy Muckle will give a speech, and the Piga Picha children will receive their certificates. I think my favourite part of the day will be when the children arrive and see their photos blown up, framed and mounted on the stands. I'm sure they'll rush around laughing trying to find their photos.

Okay, all for now. I'm off to the Nakumat (grocery store) to look for carpenter's glue.

Best,
Alyssa

Expect the Unexpected.

2008-07-21T04:37:00.000-04:00

It constantly amazes me how children are free-thinkers. How in moments they can do the unexpected, and then fall right back into line, and then do the unexpected all over again. Last night's curation session is proof. Jenny, Paul, Catherine and I sat on our clay floor and looked through the children's photographs as a collective. We giggled, oohhhhed and awwwwed at the sheer creativity of the young minds we have the privilege of working with.

I would like to announce that the children at St.Clares have far exceeded expectations. There is a show, and we are so incredibly proud of Marie Clare, Grace, Denis, Felix Ojuang, Felix Ormondi, Kevin, Mukwa, Josephat, Damacrine, Macerius, Blaise, Christopher, Lorine, Jacqueline, and Peter.

Today we get the rest of the film back from Saturday and tonight we will make our final decisions. We will have a difficult just exhibiting 32 photos! There are so many more that are beautiful, and telling. We look forward to coming home and sharing these photos with you. In the mean time we are gearing up for the Block Party on Saturday. There is a lot of work to be done this week, but I know as a team we will get it done with ease.

All for now.

Best,

Alyssa

Photos from Catherine's Saturday lesson.

2008-07-21T04:16:00.001-04:00

I LOVE watching Catherine teach. Her excitement for colour, space, line, shape, and detail was just inspiring. I even found myself being challenged that day to look deeper.

Blaise, Peter and Mukwa listening intently.

Josephat taking it all in.

Catherine teaching away.

"You look up....

...you can look down. Completely different foto."

When you look at a tree, what do you see?

2008-07-20T06:29:00.001-04:00

We are very excited to get yesterday's film back. Our little class went really well. Better than I expected, actually.
First we talked about all the ways to photograph a tree. Trunk, leaves, flowers, and other obvious elements. Then I talked about forests, wind in trees, sun through leaves, looking up a tree, etc.

The orphans have hardly ever left the orphanage. I can't even comprehend exactly how familiar their surroundings are to them. So familiar, they probably don't even see it. So this was an exercise in the hopes of helping them expand how they see their surroundings.

I held up photos from magazines that I chose based on their effective composition qualities, to play with this idea, after exemplifying Shapes, Colours, Lines and Patterns, Space and Detail.

Holding up a photo of a man biking along a red dirt road, I asked, "what is this a picture of?"
"A bike"
"A man"
"A tree"
"Yes, these are all correct. What else?"
*silence*
"Is this a picture of colour?"
"Yes!"
"Is this a picture of space?"
"Yes!"

Soon, a few pictures in, after naming every element in the photo, they were identifying lines, colours, details, etc. themselves.

Off they then went to use a roll of film around the orphanage, just for those components. No pictures of friends, goats, or buildings allowed. Nothing specific. Just colours, shapes, space, and details.

For some, this was very challenging. They stood there with their cameras, unsure of where to go. We would ask them what they saw, and soon they were running toward lines, and colours. I pointed one child to the clothesline. We walked over together, and when I encouraged him to get closer, he started to see what it looked like from underneath. He had a new perspective. I am excited for that photo.

Others took to it right away, and could be found climbing trees looking down, or taking interesting pictures through the reflection of a car review mirror.

Yesterday was our last day of shooting, and I think we all feel it ended on a high point.

Now we are making selections for the show, and are in a high gear of planning for the community party on Saturday. We're expecting about 200 people, orphans included. In addition to an exhibit of the 11X14 photos that the orphans took, there will be games, speakers on HIV/AIDS, music, and dialogue facilitators.

Ok, lots to do. Less writing, more action.
We'll be in touch soon.

On the ground and running

2008-07-18T06:10:00.000-04:00

Catherine here, Greetings!
After 2 days of travel, I landed in Kisumu this morning. It is 1pm, I have already visited the orphanage and played with the kids (actually they played with me. Apparently I'm a jungle-gym), I've been to the market to buy timber for our exhibition, I've visited our home, rode in a tuk-tuk and now am the Internet Cafe about to get a samosa. I feel like it should be dinner time now, or bed time. I'm exhausted!
While my experience here is new, I was happy to get here and find the project in full swing. Our living room has stacks of the kids' pictures, the walls are covered in program ideas and kids' profiles. The others are so immersed in this project, they can't even see it anymore.
So, take it from me, it's all very exciting.
Tomorrow is a huge photo day. I am teaching a workshop in the morning. The plan now is to do a seeing exercise with abstract pictures. Using patterns, colours, shadows, movement, blur, etc. to expand from how they are using the camera now. This is probably extremely overzealous and the kind of naive idea you laugh back on later, but it's worth a shot!
We'll let you know how it goes...
In the afternoon, we are going to write letters with the kids to Canadian students that wrote to them earlier. Very sweet.
Ciao for now,
catherine

Kisumu rebuilding after violence

2008-07-18T04:26:00.000-04:00

A burnt out building still stands near Kisumu's town centre.

On December 27, 2007, Kenya held its in the middle of a controversial election campaign. The two main candidates were the incumbent Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga. Now, this would seem to be a pretty typical election except for the fact that each candidate were representing quarreling tribes. Kibaki's Kikuyu tribe is smaller in population but historically, the one who has maintained government and business. Meanwhile, Odinga's Luo tribe is known to have more members but situated lower on the economic ladder.

Some might say that economic divide isn't the only thing keeping these two tribes apart. Like several other African countries, Kenya's national language is Kiswahili. In this part of the country though, I'm told tribal alliances and the baggage connected to them reveal themselves in spoken accents. The native Luo language is also spoken by many people here but it could cause tension if spoken to the wrong person so it is important to be a little careful.

To make a long story short, Kibaki won and his opponents, particularly those living in Odinga's home province of Nyanza, revolted. As a result, January saw many violent clashes between Luos and Kikuyus. The situation peaked when local Luos began setting fire to local Kikuyu businesses until Kikuyus fled to seek refuge in their home villages.

Heading north out of town, the highway is lined with damaged storefronts.

Around Kisumu, pro-Kibaki sayings like like "Kibaki Tena" (Kibaki Again) can still be seen spraypainted on the walls. Some people I spoke to about this said that even attempting to do this during the day would be to "dig your own grave."

Violence was felt pretty much all over town and the major shopping centres came under police protection as citizens scrambled to stock up on supplies before locking themselves in their homes until things calmed down. Some areas were so badly hit that they earned nicknames like "Dafur" and "The Gaza Strip".

If you follow Kenyan politics, you'll know that the situation calmed down after a coalition government was formed, Raila Odinga coming into power as Kenya's second Prime Minister. It wasn't until 1000 people died, including two Members of Parliament and nearly 600 000 displaced before this agreement came into effect, however.

In Kisumu, there is a collection of graffiti in favour of both Odinga and Kibaki. This particular slogan echoes feelings that unless Raila Odinga was offered a major position in Parliament, the situation would have escalated beyond control.

We're told that this is the first time Kenya has seen conflict of this nature and from the looks of it, things have calmed down considerably. However, Kikuyus have not yet returned and burnt out buildings and IDP camps still speckle the Kenyan landscape, reminding people of what they experienced a few short months ago.

Project Update

2008-07-17T03:50:00.000-04:00

Wow - I cannot believe how quickly our time here has gone. Today is my last day with the project... I do not know how I will say goodbye to the kids this afternoon. I'm excited for my students in Canada to correspond with the kids at St.Claire's and to continue to do what I can from Canada to support the kids here. I look forward to seeing them again and hearing through Sister and Julie how they are all progressing. In such a short time, one can become so easily attached.

Catherine arrives tomorrow at 8:50am to sleep in my bed! The timing is perfect as the week will be quite busy and Catherine's photography and curating skills will be essential.

The block party where we are celebrating the children's photographs, art and stories is in 9 days! (Saturday July 26th). Members from the community who have supported St.Claire's as well as family members of the children who are able and surrounding neighbours are invited to celebrate the children and our MC, who is HIV positive, will lead some discussions around HIV and its effects. There will be many games, lots of food, music and of course the children's photos! All of the kids at the orphanage have contributed in some way -- through murals, crafts, decorating the frames for the photos or taking the pictures. Everyone is quite excited about the party.

9 days! Lots to be done...

Today, Alyssa is off with Obeto getting the boards for the frames to be posted on. Paul is working on the Block Party Budget -- we are hoping Celtel sponsors us (they will let us know today or tomorrow) and Jenny is busy labelling photos and deciphering which of her kids' photos should be blown up for the show. I am tying up last minute details - trying to help prepare crafts for the remaining days and other little errands.

This afternoon we will all head to the primary school for the children's second last time journaling. After our time at the primary school we'll meet again with Obeto and Jops to discuss the Block Party budget and in addition continue to go through the many photos selecting what is best to be blown up for the Block Party and for the World Youth Congress in Quebec where Alyssa will be doing a workshop in August. Saturday will be the children's last day to shoot.

Sooo much to do, I should sign off and get to work!

Thanks everyone for your support.
- joanna

Meet Sister Philomena of St. Claire's Orphange.

2008-07-16T07:25:00.001-04:00

Sister Philomena is one of the original founders of St. Claire's Orphanage, which was started in 2005 with 8 children. The Orphanage now has just over 90 children -including 27 of the children who attend the primary boarding school.

Sister has an amazing, jovial, and loving spirit. She always greats us with a huge smile and has been very helpful towards our project and our stay here in Kisumu.

She loves the children very much and it is a joy to watch her interact with them. (I caught her skipping the other day!!) At the beginning of the project she sat in on a couple of our lessons to ensure the children were understanding our accents -as she put it. She is an outstanding teacher and was excellent in conveying the photography lessons...again a joy to watch!!

She is a very open, loving, and caring woman and her door is always open for a chat...it has been wonderful getting to know her.

Thank you for everything Sister Philomena!!

(As you can see from these photos -little Dan is always on by her side!!)

The Children's Excitement of Seeing Their Photos!

2008-07-16T06:38:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite parts of the project is when I get to watch the children in my group look at their photos from their previous shoots. The very first time they saw their photos developed was an incredible to experience for all. The excitement, happiness, and satisfaction has not wained. At least I don't think it has by their reactions

each time we bring back their developed photos -their entire faces glow, their eyes widen, and their smiles gleam.

Also there is no doubt or questioning that they know what images they have taken on their camera. Last session I mistakenly mixed up 2 of my children's packs of photos -and they instantly corrected me saying that they were not the photos they took!

They are often so excited that they naturally start speaking in their mother tongue, I quickly ask them what they are saying so I can also understand how they are feeling in that moment.

Ok I admit it, this is my favorite moment of them all.

It is pure joy.

A plan to build a new dormitory

2008-07-13T09:34:00.000-04:00

Meet Felix. He's one of 30-odd from St-Claire's Orphanage who study at St-Francis Academy. Felix is also one of the best students in the entire school. He's skipped a grade and we expect that he might skip another.

Some of the orphans studying at St. Francis' though are sick. Some have ringworm or even HIV. Others simply have younger siblings at still at the orphanage and could use help from their older brothers and sisters.

Since St-Francis Academy is a boarding school, it's difficult for people at St-Claire's Orphanage to provide daily care for these orphans but unfortunately, since St-Claire's is overcrowded as it is, they have to attend boarding school.

The Tumaini Children's Project hopes to build a new dormitory soon so that the orphans studying at St Francis' can return and attend local schools. This way, kids like Felix can receive more adequate care and needed medical attention.

We need about $10 000 more to build a new dormitory on top of what's already been raised. This might seem like a lot of money to some but when free education is available closer to the orphanage a new dormitory is really the best long-term solution for these kids.

If you think this is a worthwhile project, I think the two biggest things you can do to help are to make a contribution to the Tumaini Children's Project and to also just tell others about what's going on here.

Thanks for reading.

Meet Byron

2008-07-12T02:38:00.000-04:00

Vera, Givens, Byron and Mauren

A little man that has melted all of our hearts...
Byron is relatively new to St. Claire's. He and his siblings (shown above) arrived here a few months ago from an IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp. They were returned here to Kisumu as there are many Luo people here. He is often quite serious for a little toddler understandably given what he has seen. Bryon, his siblings and his mom survived as they slept in fields as they were escaping instead of houses (which were being burnt). He loves to be held and to listen to picture books. His mom is with Bryon's older siblings trying to gather together money to re-create their life. No one has heard about/from his father since the post-election violence.
We're really looking forward to these kids attending school next year. These are the faces of some of the kids who are in need of a dormitory. (The proceeds of our project are going towards building another dormitory for the increasing number of children at St. Claire's).
- Joanna

Meet Christopher

2008-07-08T10:22:00.001-04:00

Meet Christopher. Little Christopher! He is the youngest in my group. He is very thoughtful. He is opening up slowly, and with each journal entry we are beginning to learn more and more about him.

How to get around in Kisumu

2008-07-04T04:09:00.001-04:00

One way to get around Kisumu is by tuktuk. They are usually Piaggio scooters with a passenger cab in the back that are meant to seat three but as you can tell by this photo, they can sometimes fit up to 5. It costs about 100ksh to get around in one of these (~$1.67CDN).

Pictured are the residents of our 3-bedroom house. Left to right, we are Jenny (North Bay, Ontario), Jessica (Zwolle, Holland), Paul (Ottawa, Ontario), Joanna (Toronto, Ontario) and Alyssa (Toronto, Ontario).

There are a few other ways to get around town (besides walking, of course). A boda-boda is a pretty standard bike fashioned with a cushion over the rear wheel so a second passenger can sit fairly comfortably. People also use boda-bodas to transport goods (commonly bread or water). They use old bike tubes to strap their goods onto the rear seat and can commonly be stacked about a metre high!

Matatus are crowded 11-seater vans that normally hold up to 20 people. Many of them can be identified by their unique decals and paint jobs. There are several that pay tribute to North American musicians like Ciara, Nelly and Rick Ross. We've even seen one with a huge graphic of Barack Obama's face on the U.S. dollar.

In case you didn't know, Barack Obama Sr. is from near Kisumu and is a Luo, the majority tribe in this part of Kenya. In other words, people love Obama here.

Double Mint _______________

2008-07-04T03:50:00.001-04:00

Twins!! Marie Clare & Marie Clarette (8 months old) are the newest arrivals at St.Claire's.

Eli & Regan

Stacy Apiyo & Feney Adongo

Hussan & Hussein

Scholastica and Kemuntho, also twins, were not photographed as they are away attending their mother's funeral.

"...these are my friends and I stay with them as one family."

2008-07-02T06:07:00.001-04:00

Lorine looking at her photos.

Peter writing in his journal.

Kevin Kangal's journal. It says, "I like foto because these are my friends and I stay with them as one family." We teared up a bit when we read this...

Josephats journal. It says, "I lal (like) this green grass. I lal this class be cos it is good school."

Christopher's journal. It says, I like this photo because "of this house and the boy which sits on the verhandah." This photo makes me feel "so happy."

Felix Ojuang's journal. It says "1. like this foto because these are my friends. 2. i like this foto because this is the best."

Felix resting after finishing his roll of film.

A whole new set of film ready to get processed.

Wow,

Yesterday was amazing. It was such a pleasure to see the children's faces as they looked at their photography for the first time. What talent! Each child laid out their photos and their group looked them over. It was so fun to ask them their favourites and have them explain why. It gave us an opportunity to hear the stories, feelings, and reasons why they took their photographs. Each child picked their two favourites and glued them in their journals. After that they wrote responses to their photos, and then tore outside to shoot another roll.

Play Time!

2008-07-02T05:53:00.000-04:00

We've had lots of time to sing, dance, play games and do crafts at the orphanage. "What time is it Mr. Wolf?" is the current new favourite. The children are very patient and diligent during craft time - not a peep is heard while instructions are given and they clean up without any prompts! A teacher's dream class. :-)
My highlight is when the children break out into song as they are incredible singers and their repertoire is quite extensive. They have led us through many, many songs in Swahili and in English - all involve dancing! They sure can keep a beat! (Hopefully I'll come back with some rhythm!)

James, not only talented at crafts, is a natural song leader. The other kids follow his lead as he transitions smoothly from one song to the next. Much to be learned from this amazing little teacher.

More play time updates to come! - Joanna

First Lot of Film Has Been Developed!!

2008-07-01T04:54:00.000-04:00

We developed the first lot of film yesterday from the children's first shoot!! The anticipation of waiting for the film to be developed was huge! We did not know what to expect - but we were incredibly excited by the photos the children created!! We are really looking forward to watching the children's development and progress over the next four weeks.

Many of the images warmed my heart and stirred so many emotions - I am soooo excited for you all to see them as well!!

Our second lesson is this afternoon - the cameras are already loaded and ready to go...I wonder who is more excited...the kids or us?!?!

Stay Tuned...

Warm Wishes from Kisumu,
Jenny

Introducing Blaise

2008-06-30T06:05:00.001-04:00

Meet Blaise. Blaise is 12 years old. He is extremely bright, and has skipped a grade at school. He is incredibly respectful and eager to learn about the photography basics we taught on Saturday. Blaise is a natural leader and was quick to help the younger children who needed a little extra help. I am anxious to see his photos from Saturday, which we get back from the lab in an hour.

Tomorrow we will present the children with their first prints. I'm terribly excited.

Lesson One- Photography Basics

2008-06-29T08:59:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we went to visit some of the older children at the Primary School they attend, and we gave our first lesson. It was such a pleasure to teach them. They are so excited to practice with the cameras eager to learn so that they could "piga picha"(take a picture). Here is the five finger memory lesson

1. Keep my fingers at the top of the camera.
2. Flash for inside the house, no flash for outside the house, the sun at my back.
3. Frame my photo
4. Stand one arm's length back.
5. Piga Picha!

Here are Lorine, Christopher, Peter and Blaise shooting some of their first photos. My favourite moment yesterday was when Loriine ran up and took my hand. She told me, "I am happy today. I have never taken a photo before. This is a good day." She clasped me hand tightly and then skipped away.

I cannot wait to develop the photos so that the children can see them.

Eve of first 'PIGA PICHA' Lesson

2008-06-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

June 27, 2008

So far meeting the 27 Pre-School Children at the St. Claire's Orphanage has been an amazing experience for us all. The last 2 days I have been overwhelmed with so many emotions -that I am finding difficult to express.

At the moment, I am writing this on the eve of our first indrotuction to the Primary School Children and their first 'PIGA PICHA' lesson. We are all filled with so much excitement that we are finally at the stage of diving into our project, as well as curious of how this project with the children will go... I cannot wait to see how the children react to the camera and to see the images they create through their own eyes!

We will let you know how our first day goes!
Take care,
Jenny

We're in Kisumu!

2008-06-27T06:01:00.001-04:00

Paul here.

Jenny, Alyssa and I arrived to Kisumu yesterday morning. Joanna will arrive tomorrow and Catherine will come later on, in July.

Something that excites me is how much we were able to bring for the kids living at St-Claire's. Not only are we going to be conducting a photography and art workshop but together, we'll have brought about 300lbs (136kg) of clothes and supplies.

Here are some photos from yesterday.

Kids of St-Claire's Orphanage

The youngest orphans, twins Marie-Claire and Marie-Clairette

Anti-retrovirals for the kids known to have HIV.

Dan.

Kenya AIDS orphanage welcomes Canadian photography teachers

2008-06-27T05:47:00.002-04:00

This summer, in Kenya, five Canadians, Alyssa, Jenny, Paul, Joanna and Catherine will offer hope through the power of a camera lens to 15 orphans living with HIV/AIDS.

As part of PIGA PICHA and the Tumaini Children’s Project, our small team will teach a month-long photography and art workshop to children living at St-Claire's Orphanage, in Kisumu, Kenya, about 350km NW of Nairobi.

The HIV/AIDS rate in Kisumu is 15%, considerably higher than Kenya's national of 6.7%, according to A 2003 Kenya Demographic Health Survey. Canada's rate in adults is 0.3%.

Through this workshop, kids will participate in an empowering local and international dialogue about the needs and wants of children living with HIV/AIDS in continental Africa. Their photographs will raise awareness through an exhibition at the World Youth Congress in Québec City this August and, finally, future exhibitions, prints, books and other income generating projects will provide the orphanage resources to care for the children.

We're all super excited about this project and have already seen the promise and potential of these kids. Stay tuned!!!

For more information or if you'd like to make a contribution to the orphanage, please visit www.tumainichildrensproject.ca

The Tumaini Children’s Project is a registered charity with the Canadian Revenue Agency (registration number B/N 888977790RR0001). Tax receipts can be issued for all donations over $20.

In Transit

2008-06-25T13:43:00.000-04:00

The past month has been hectic preparing for Piga Picha, and it amazes us that we are on our way to finally meet the children at St. Clares. This morning we woke up in London- half way there. Jenny, Paul and I are waiting at Heathrow airport for our next flight. Tomorrow morning we will wake up in Nairobi and we'll be that much closer.