EI’s photography program began in 2007 when Kathy Adams and a guest instructor hosted a 5 week-long photography class for 8 of EI’s older students. Since that time, the program has been expanding. In 2008 14 children were selected to participate in the class, which took place in July. Several of these students have continued to participate in weekly classes since that time. Many other students have shown an interest in taking part in the class. The benefits of the photography program have been great. The staff have witnessed participants’ attitudes change. Many attend school more regularly and have gained the self confidence that so many of EI’s students lack.
As such, the staff at EI would like to see the photography program expanded and developed into a fundraising arm of the organization as well as an opportunity for the students to become the teachers and begin to empower others through their art. Ultimately, five years down the road, the goal is to have a new, more visible office space with an extra room in which to build a gallery and photography store (which will have online access as well), with proceeds going back to EI. Students from the program could run the store, which would help them gain valuable business experience. Additionally, the store front would also help to promote photography tours, another project which the staff would like to continue developing.
From December 18th, to January 4th, the students from the photography program will be displaying their work in an exclusive gallery exhibit in the coastal town of San Juan del Sur. The students, most who have never seen the ocean, are beyond thrilled.
Check out and buy the photos from the exhibition here.
