Peace in Focus

Two Years After the Earthquake

2012-01-26T11:38:00.004-05:00

Boston.com recently posted an article on Haiti. Two years after the earthquake there is still a long road to recovery ahead.
http://bo.st/zuC8Es

Peace in Focus will be traveling to Haiti in 4 days to deliver youth leadership & digital storytelling training.

We believe in supporting young people through a healing process and giving them tools/skills to empower them to rebuild their communities. Stay tuned for more blog posts about our work with the Youth Leadership Council.

Photo Courtesy of Boston.com
Photo by Dieu Nalio Chery/Associated Press

2012-01-13T09:08:00.005-05:00

If You Teach A Man to Photograph...

http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2012/01/12/144968943/if-you-teach-a-man-to-photograph-haiti-as-seen-by-haitians

Photo courtesy of NPR
Photo by Smith Neuvieme

2012-01-11T11:31:00.007-05:00

May this year bring peace and a renewed commitment to youth empowerment around the world.

Boston.com posted a great photo essay on New Year's celebrations around the world. See more great photography on their website.

Photo Courtesy of Boston.com
Photo By Arif Ali/AFP/Getty Images

2011-12-16T12:08:00.005-05:00

Peace in Focus wants to highlight the incredible work of the
Think BIG Dream Big Movement.

The Think BIG Dream Big Movement supports giving tools, motivation and experiences that encourage youth to become "Agents of Change."
Check out their website for more information:
www.thinkbig-dreambig.com

2011-12-09T09:33:00.015-05:00

Peace in Focus Digital Exhibit - Winter 2011

Peace In Focus invites young artists to submit digital photography to showcase at our exhibits. This exhibition is designed to feature the best young photographers from all over the world.

Theme: “Homecoming” Whether returning from the daily grind or years away - we’re exploring the place and feeling that makes returning home a sacred and profound voyage.

Deadline: January 6th 2012

Eligibility: Limit 2 photos per person - open to photographers ages 25 and younger.

To Enter: Please email photos to peaceinfocus@gmail.com. You must include your name, age, location, photo titles and captions to be considered.

Prize: 20 Finalists will be selected for a premier event showcasing their photography in Downtown Boston along with Peace in Focus.

http://facebook.com/PeaceinFocus

2011-12-08T09:20:00.004-05:00

Second Half of the Interviews

Haitian youth asking Burundi youth

How is it that we look so much alike?

That was God's will and that's how it is. Haitians come from Africa. You'll see that in history books.

Do you have different forms of dance? What type of dance is most popular?

Yes. Traditional danse & modern dance.

How did you gain your independence? And why did you fight for your independence?

Through political ideology and politics. We did it to end the maltreatment by whites. To be free.

What is the name for the inhabitants of Burundi?

Burundais/burundaise (Burundian). Abarundi. Umurundi/umurundi kazi

Why are some children barefoot?

It's not everyone and depends on the family. It's a poor country, but more prosperous than Haiti.

Did you continue to fight with other peoples, after your independence?

Yes, the different ethnicities.

How do the schools work in Burundi?

It's a Belgian system. Three trimesters in a year with an evaluation after each semester and a general evaluation at the end of the year.

Did Burundi put in place means to help the refugees from Congo?

Yes. There is an Embassy School of Congo. And a camp for refugees.

Do you play football?

Yes.

With what countries have you been at war?

None.

What kinds of food do you eat?

Rice, beans, meat, ugali, sombi (cassava leaves)

What is the level of sanitation? Is the system effective?

The level of sanitation is so-so. Not really.

What kind of things do you cultivate in Burundi? What are your traditions and pasttimes?

Coffee, tea, cotton, corn, sorgo, beans, rice. Drums, agasimbo (dance), intore (dance), muyebe (dance). Respect and politeness.

Do you have a president or a king? If a president, what's his name?

President. Pierre Nkurunziza.

Are you monotheistic or polytheistic?

Monotheistic.

Do you have a good government or good leaders, in your opinion?

There's a debate. Some think it's good. Others think it's bad.

As young people, what are some problems that you face?

Violence, bandits, malaria, AIDS

What are your reactions after the training in photography?

We gained a lot of knowledge that will be useful for the future. We really liked the workshop.

Are there people that live in tents, like the majority of us in Haiti?

Not many, but the refugees do.

What are your hopes and dreams for your country, as young people?

Progress. Development. Security. Peace.

Burundi/Haitian Exchange

2011-12-02T10:13:00.007-05:00

In August 2011, Peace in Focus facilitated a dialogue between youth in Haiti and Burundi. The young people in Haiti were part of a Mercy Corps' Timoun Alez photography camp and were trained by Peace in Focus co-founder, Kate Fedosova. The young people in Burundi were a part of a Peace in Focus/Jamaa program, in collaboration with Discover Voice.

They exchanged their photography, wrote & answered 20 questions, and finally connected on Skype on the last day. Together they sang songs, talked about their countries, and vision for the future. One of the most poignant topics of conversation was when the Burundi youth learned that Haiti was the first black nation to win their independence. Haiti gained independence in 1804 and Burundi gained independence in 1962.

Ultimately, they discovered that despite having an ocean between them, they share a common language, eat similar foods, both enjoy soccer, and want to see their countries become peaceful and prosperous.

First half of the interviews

Burundi youth asking Haitian youth

How are you doing after the earthquake?

At first, very poorly. We were shocked and very sad. Now, we’re feeling better and recovering thanks to Mercy Corps’ psychosocial art therapy program.

What is your vision for your country?

We would like to rebuild the zones affected by the earthquake, and we hope to support our country’s educational, cultural, social, and economic plans to put our country on the road to progress.

What did you think of the photography workshop?

The workshop was great and a lot of fun, because we learned a lot about photography, identity, and our African roots. We can use this knowledge in the future. Now that we have knew skills we are happy and proud of ourselves.

Do children have the right to work in Haiti?

No, not before 18 years old, but certain children work before this age.

Are there street children and those who are mistreated, too?

Yes, in certain neighborhoods.

How do children live in Haiti?

Some live well while others do not.

What are the living conditions for the Haitian children?

The majority of children live in difficult conditions. Many do not go to school; some live on the street and have no opportunities for entertainment.

Are there Children’s Rights in Haiti?

The rights are established but most of the time are not applied.

What are some of the main activities in Haiti?

Art, commerce, agriculture, fishing, football, music, culture, traditional games, dances like compas et folklore danses, such as the congo, petro, ibo, nago, Banda, Raboday, Mayi, Kontredans, Yanvalou, and many others.

How do orphans live in Haiti?

Some live on the street and some live in orphanages. Some live with host families and others live as “restavec,” a phenomenon where a child is taken and do forced to do housework for a family.

What is the national motto of Haiti?

Unity is strength!

What is the state of the health system?

Critical. The majority of our cities in provinces do not have hospitals or health centers. There is fewer than one doctor per 10,000 inhabitants.

What foods are the basis for your diet in Haiti?

Produce, rice, beans, millet, Akasan (corn flour used for breakfast)

Are there homeless children?

Yes, especially in the capital of Port-au-Prince.

Do Haitians enjoy freedom of expression?

Yes, we often have protests and demonstrations, and we have freedom of expression in the media.

What’s the political system in Haiti?

We have a democratic system, though it’s not implemented fully.

What are the different kinds of work in Haiti?

Masonry, carpentry, woodworking, art, household, agriculture, sewing, teaching, the public servants of the state, contractor, trade, and unfortunately some girls involved in prostitution.

What is the economy in Haiti?

We import a lot. Our system of agriculture is archaic, so our levels of production are low, as are our exports. The revenue per capita is low.

Are children in Haiti polite?

The majority are.

Do you play soccer?

Yes, a lot!

Yasser Alaa

2011-11-13T21:25:00.015-05:00

Our friend Yasser Alaa's artwork from Alexandria, Egypt:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yasseralaa

2011-11-13T21:07:00.005-05:00

If you never had the chance, we highly recommend watching "Born Into Brothels" the winner of the 77th annual Best Documentary Feature from 2004:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8niql0q3i6c

2011-11-06T16:22:00.006-05:00

"Youth Voices: Our Vision for the World"

Photography Exhibit

"Pictures bring meaning to my life and the transformation of my community and my country. Though we suffered much by the many years of civil war and the pictures we remember are all negative, but together, we can turn a negative picture into something positive and tell a new and resounding story."

- John, age 17, Liberia.

Peace in Focus would like to thank all who attended and participated in our successful photography exhibit held on October 27, 2011 at the Tantric India Bistro.

The exhibit showcased a selection of photos taken by young photographers from our programs in Boston, Burundi, Liberia, and the Caribbean -- giving us a window into their lives, struggles, and dreams as the present generation of leaders.

A special thank you to our Boston workshop participants, Antonio Stroud and Dolenia Belmir for sharing their inspiring words and experiences. All donations went towards supporting Peace in Focus programs in Boston and abroad.

More exhibits to come soon!

Burundi Workshop: Day 10

2010-10-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

Hi!

I am NDAYIHANGAJE Carmel, I was born on the 29th April in 1993 in Cibitoke commune. I am a schoolboy at “CEPBU” high school.

In my every day life, I love to make friends. I like to play at basketball too. But, I detest quarreling with friends, failing at school and any kind of oppression and exploitation.

I’m now a photojournalist and a journalist. If ever I have an opportunity to edit articles, they will focus on fighting oppression and the exploitation of children by giving them hard works that goes beyond their capacities instead of sending them to school.

Taking pictures is very exciting. Last week, I took pictures of people animals, buildings and moving cars. We have been taught also journalism and the rules that guide a journalist while reporting to avoid mistakes, which can lead him to be judged by courts.

I’ve got so much to tell you, but let me just say thank you to JAMAA association and Peace in Focus from Boston, and ask them humbly to perpetuate such actions. I call upon anyone to help them, so that they may keep on working for the benefit of children and for the world to survive.

Thank you!

Hello!

I am KWIZERA Arnauld from Nyakabiga Commune, Bujumbura city. I was born in 1994.

My passion is to watch sports at the television especially the soccer. I like to be informed about famous players and coach as well. I also like to discuss with friends because I get much information from a discussion with friends. However, I do detest quarrelling.

In my life, two period are unforgettable: the first one was the three months I spent in a hospital when I had an accident, and the second one is when I failed examinations at school for the first time. During those periods, it was as if the world was turned upside down.

As far as the workshop is concerned, I’ve spent two weeks here in JAMAA center, and I’ve gained so much knowledge about photojournalism and journalism. Our facilitators treated us like their younger brothers and sisters. Now I know to use a digital camera, and the difference between photography and photojournalism. Even though they share some similarities, photojournalism produces images that “talk” a whole story. I also appreciated the way we use Adobe Photoshop to modify a photograph. During this second week we have been acquainted with journalist union through media auto-regulation and the functions of the national council of communication. The last but not less important thing we learned is the rules we follow to write a newspaper report.

I say thank you to JAMAA and all its partners especially Peace in Focus!

Burundi Workshop: Day 9

2010-10-25T12:00:00.001-04:00

Hi!

My name is IRAKOZE Annick, I am a resident of Sororezo a commune of Rural Bujumbura province. I’m a pupil at Nyakabiga primary school, and I’m 14 years old.

I love photography, to take a picture is the most interesting things I have ever done. Though it’s the first time I do it, I can confirm it without doubt.
Here in this workshop we are four who are still in the primary school, this means that I’m a beginner at French language, so when I’m asked to answer in that language, I often make mistakes and my colleagues laugh at me. This make me very sad.

Nowadays, thanks to GOD, we live in peace. Our commune, in the last few years was the battlefield between the rebels and the national army.

What made me happy in the workshop is simply to meet new friends.

Today I was very happy to listen to my friends who were reciting news they listened to yesterday night, as an assignment. I regretted why I didn’t came yesterday, because it was a very exciting exercise.

Goodbye, Thank you!

Greetings to everybody!

I’m IRAKOZE Yvette, I am a resident of Sororezo, Rural Bujumbura. I study at “Mutanga Sud” primary school in 6th form. I was born at Mutanga Sud.

I like to play at soccer. Myself, I’m a soccer player. But I hate so much politics because politics kills, it uses stones, bullet and fire. Politicians use the youth to kill each other. To me, politics is violence, so I don’t even wish to hear about it.

Since my childhood up to last year, we lived in war, we were often running away. However, in those days, while in fugitive camps, the government and some NGO, came to rescue us by providing us with foods, blanket and other diverse items. They were a comfort in that distress situation.
Today, Joseph trained us to conduct interview. We had sessions of interviewing each other after having learned the 15 interview techniques and performed it. Now I can say I’m a real journalist or at least a beginner in that skill.

I cannot end my message without thanking those who prepared this training, May God bless them. I beg them to do the same for other children like me and advice all the children who will read me, to be aware and avoid everything that may abstract and hinder them from going to school, school is the future.

Thank you!

Burundi workshop: Day 8

2010-10-24T12:00:00.000-04:00

Greetings!

I’m NTARE Robert Nesta. I live at Kinanira quarter. I’m 15 years old and study at Musaga municipal high school in 7th form.

I like to chat and laugh with friends, I’m also interested in internet. I hate however falsehood. I’m afraid of cars because I one day had an accident with it, but, the day I knew that I’ve passed the national exam every thing became new.

I’ve got three dreams in my life, the first one is to be a soccer player, the second is to be a sport journalist afterward and the last one is to do something very important so that every one in BURUNDI will always remember me even after my death.

Today, I’ve learned interview techniques, how to conduct an interview and behave in front of my interlocutor.

Peace in Focus and JAMAA have done something worthwhile by virtue of the fact that there are many men who wish to be photojournalist or journalist but lack such chances. I’ve realized that to be a journalist requires a lot of courage. One must give up laziness to get a good picture at the right moment.

Thank you to Peace in Focus and JAMAA for what you do for the benefit of children.

Hello!

My name is IGIRANEZA Maryse, my home is Bwiza Commune, I have 17 years of the age, I study at “Avenir” high school in 5th form, but now I’m admitted in 4th form.
I love to live good among my neighbors, I feel good when I see friends smiling.
I am an orphan, my father and mother died so long ago, when I was still a little girl. To loose my parent is the worst thing that has ever happen to me. But, despite the fact that I have no one on my own, I’m still alive and happy, thanks to God. I don’t complain at all, I live in family that take care enough of me, it does its best at least.

The workshop we attend is very beneficial for me, today we’ve been taught the three kinds of medias and their similarities and differences as far as writing a report is concerned. However I’m still confused about which one to choose and engage. Normally I was interested in audiovisual, but here we focus more on the written press.

Let me say thanks to the members of Peace in Focus who had this wonderful idea because, we people from BURUNDI are willing to do wonderful things but lack sufficient means. For instance, it was my first time to touch a camera. Hence, I’m very grateful to Peace in Focus and JAMAA, cause not only I have touched it but I also know to use it.

Burundi Workshop: Day 7

2010-10-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

Hello!

My name is BUKURU David. I’m a schoolboy at Saint Gabriel high school, and a resident of Ngagara commune in Bujumbura city. I’m 16 years of the age.

I like to play at ping-pong so much so that I can’t spend a whole week without playing at it. But, I hate people who keep quiet so much. Normally, I’m always happy save perhaps, when I fail to do something important. I don’t have much things to say about me because I’m a simple boy like others, nothing special that distinguishes me from others except that I’m a tall guy and have a strong desire of becoming the president of the republic of Burundi, if GOD wishes indeed.

We’ve been taught so many new things, but the one I will never forget is how to take a photograph. Today, Richard taught us the treatment of information.

I’m extremely grateful to all the facilitators for their help. My special thanks go to Peace in Focus and JAMAA members in general because we’ve gained some useful skills from the workshop, which can help in their turn to gain our daily bread.

Thanks!

Hello!

My name is MUKESHIMANA Sabrina. I live at Ngagara commune. I’m 17 years old and I study at Saint Albert high school in 3rd form art.

I’m fond of watching television and reading books. When I’m tired, I go to visit friends and chat with them. I equally like to visit sick people in hospitals and going to church. My passion is traveling, though I’m broke. I hate however, wicked people and those who quarrel every time.

I would like to be a journalist, a historian or psychologist. In brief, I want to have much knowledge.

In JAMAA center, I appreciate the way people are welcoming and the way we are taught. The only thing that is still troubling is that a few people are not punctual, and cameras are not sufficient in number. It would be great to have one camera per each participant.

Yesterday, we learned the deontic code, which expresses the duties and rights of
journalist and how to collect information.

I’d like to thank GOD, our facilitators and JAMAA association in general.

Thank you!

Burundi Workshop: Day 6

2010-10-22T12:00:00.000-04:00

Hello!

My name is NDIKUMANA Igor, I’ve got 16 years of the age, I live at Mutakura in Cibitoke commune on the 7th avenue. I’m a pupil at the technology school known as ETEC.

I like to play at soccer, I used to play in Meridian soccer team. But the more I advance in studies the less free time I have, and this obliged me to stop soccer and concentrate on my studies. Now, after school, I’m often busy dancing at the dancing club because I’m also fond of music. I belong to a dancing club known as Strong Wind. I hate, however, injustice and pride.

Today, Eric taught us confraternity and other points included in the ethical code of photojournalism. There is another significant issue we tackled, that is to prepare the material before going to make a report.

I’d like to thank JAMAA and Peace in Focus in general and Eric, Richard, Ciza, Kazadi, Claude, and Joseph in particular for what they do for us and ask them to do the same for other children.

Thank you very much, may God bless you.

Hello!

My name is Raissa NDAYISHIMIYE, I’m a pupil at CMN college in 5th form. I’m a resident of Rohero on Bututsi Avenue.

In my life, I like to help hopeless persons. My dream is to become one day a famous movie star. I do hate liars, injustice doers and vengeful people. I’m an orphan, and every time I see children with their parents I immediately remember mine, I lost them when I was still a little girl.

I like journalism, but I wish I could be the president of our republic in other to restore justice in this country and help other orphans like me.

This is the first time I attend such a workshop. Everything goes well so far, I’m now able to take a good picture using the basics we were taught. For instance, I know how to reduce and increase the amount of light that enters the camera. In few words I know to paint with light, as the definition of photography is.

Today we’ve learned the relation between a journalist and his boss as well as the duties and rights of a journalist.

Let me end my story by giving thanks and praises to Peace In Focus, which help organize this workshop.

Thanks!

Burundi Workshop: Day 5

2010-10-21T12:00:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone!

I am HABIMANA Ninette, I am 17 years of the age; I was born in 1993 the 1st of July, it was on the independence memorial day. I study at Bwiza Commune College in 4th form.

I like to study, because my dream is to become a cultivated journalist. I equally enjoy reading, watching T.V., listen to nice music and doing sports as well. Another thing I love is cooking. I detest sloth in my life, sitting there without doing any thing is very boring.

Yesterday we had an excursion and took photos; today, we commented on them. Now I feel like I’m a photojournalist and prove to be one as you can realize it yourself from my photos. We have been taught some photography basics and how to read an image etc.

I appreciated our facilitators and I’m glad I’ve found new friends from other neighborhoods. We made several practice and play games together we and I have realized that though we came from different parts, we are the same.

Let me give thanks and praises first of all to the highest God of my salvation who gave me life. Second, to my parents who allowed me to take part in this workshop, finally and specially to the president of JAMAA Eric NSENGIYUMVA.

“I wish long life to JAMAA and Peace in Focus!”

Burundi Workshop: Day 4

2010-10-20T12:00:00.001-04:00

Hello!

My name is NDUWIMANA Jean Marie; I live at Kamenge commune in Bujumbura city. I am sixteen years old; I study at Gasenyi primary school.

I like karate and soccer because they teach to discipline yourself. My soccer team is known under the name of Miracle football and I ‘m a striker.

I don’t like to be hurt by someone as I dislike hurting someone and that the reason why enjoy to entertain my friends with interesting and amusing stories whenever they look sad to comfort them.

2003 is an unforgettable year to me, I spent 8 months in hospital, my arm was broken when we were running away from war. I suffered severely that fracture for so long so that I even thought God has forsaken me or does not simply exist.

I really love Association JAMAA, I was worried and confused because I didn’t know where to find money to buy copybooks and cloths for school, since I fail the national examination. However, Jamma not only provided me with them but it is also training me and teaching a craft.

Since Monday we have learned many things about photojournalism and today we’ve made an excursion and took as many photo as we wish, photos of buildings, houses roads garbage to name but a few. I was so much excited by the Mother Mary statuette photo I took.

Your photojournalist, Jean Marie.

I love Peace in Focus and JAMAA so much. Thank you!

Burundi Workshop: Day 3

2010-10-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

Hello!

My Name is NDAYISENGA Landrine; I am a young lady from Bwiza Commune, Bujumbura city. I study at Ecole de l’Unité (Unity high school) and I’m seventeen years old.

I feel so bad when someone does not recognize or is indifferent to the good I do for him, and I hate people who exploit others, those who treat a person as an opportunity to gain an advantage for themselves. Here, I’d like to talk about the case of our country; innocent blood is always shed, the police starts investigations but to no outcome.

I was very happy when I knew that my name is written on list of those who were going to be trained in photojournalism, because I really like to take pictures. The striking thing we saw today is the stereotype, how, using Photoshop one can manipulate and modify a photo as you wish. Now am able to distinguish an authentic beauty on a photo from a stereotype while reading a magazine for example.

The only thing that made trouble for me is when a facilitator intervenes to help or correct another. It becomes hard to follow two people at the same time. We have been told that someone named Kate from Boston is the one who helped to organize this work shop, thank you to her an JAMAA. Peace!

Burundi Workshop: Day 2

2010-10-18T12:00:00.001-04:00

Hello!

I am KAMANGO Ally, I live at Jabe quarter n°234, and I’m sixteen years old. The school I attend is near home, and is called COMIBU High school. I’m fond of soccer; I play in Olympique De Prince Soccer team.

There is a thing that always excites me, that is to see people from different ethnic groups marry or just fall in love each other. However, I dislike to see people doing injustice to others especially when its an older person who oppresses a younger one or a stronger people ill treating a weak one.

Today, we have been taught many new things, such as how to use the display to shut down the screen in order to keep the battery charged a long time. I do know that we use the aperture to increase or decrease the amount of light that enter in the camera. The games we played were very interesting and amusing, we played at knot game and soleil (sun) game.

One more thing I’d like to say is, thank you to JAMAA and its partners for organizing such a workshop, I think that photojournalism can help one to gain his daily bread. I have nothing to give you but I wish u success and I pray GOD to help you in all your endeavors.

Burundi Workshop: Day 1

2010-10-17T16:01:00.000-04:00

Hello!

My name is NIYONSABA Evelyne, I live at Cibitoke quarter, Bujumbura. I am 15 years old and I study in the 5th form at Mutakura secondary school. I like to help people, make charity actions for sufferers especially those who suffer from diseases. My passion is traveling; though I’ve never traveled abroad I have a strong desire of doing so whenever I may get an opportunity.

Currently, my hobby is traditional dance, I can say I’ve grown in that culture since childhood, so whenever I get a free time I often go to the dancing club. I’m always happy the only sad period of my life was when in primary school, a man came and throw to us a grenade, fortunately I didn’t die but I was severely wounded.

Today, I’ve learned so many new things about photography. We’ve been told for instance, photography began in the 19th century and its brief historical background was narrated to us. Now I know for example how to hold a camera to avoid any misfortune that can happen and break it, I equally know some photo ideas and some other element of photography. I admired the way we were treated in this workshop, we had tea and a nice dinner, I don’t complain at all. The only things that made me sweat was the afternoon work, I would like to work before noon only, if Richard and Huguette were not there for games I think I couldn’t hold on until 4 PM. I end up my message saying that today’s program was great and hope it will remain so the whole week.

Thanks!

August Workshop in Burundi

2010-10-17T16:00:00.001-04:00

Association Jamaa, supported by Peace in Focus in Boston, held a peace photojournalism workshop for Burundian youth between August 9 to August 20, 2010. Sixteen young people from different backgrounds participated in the training.

The students learned how to use a camera, including manual features such as ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. In addition to learning how to take pictures themselves, the participants discussed images in the media. They talked about local journalism, media regulation and self-censorship, and common stereotypes in the media. They learned how to conduct an interview, collect information, and write a report. Students practiced documenting their communities with three excursions to Northern, Western, and Central Bujumbura. Due to a militia threat from Somalia’s Al Shabbab, the students were unable to photograph city center and public places during the workshop.

Peace in Focus congratulates Association Jamaa on successfully and independently replicating the peace photojournalism model in this workshop. A special thanks goes to Joseph Mukozi for translating the participants’ blog entries from Kirundi to English.

Announcing: October Photo Contest Winner

2010-10-17T11:44:00.011-04:00

Announcing the winner of October's photo competition! The theme was "Where do you find peace?"

Congratulations to Icy Bradley on her photograph entitled "Peace in Nature."

The Honorable Mention goes to Heather Taylor for her photo essay on peace.

Don't forget to submit a photograph, along with title and caption, to peaceinfocus@gmail.com. This month's theme (deadline of November 1st) is "What is your dream for the future?" Looking forward to seeing your photos!

September Photo Contest Winner!

2010-09-07T21:47:00.000-04:00

Announcing the winner of September's photo competition! The theme was "Where do you get information about your community or the world?"

Congratulations to Heather Taylor on her photograph entitled "Musical Revelation"

Music is probably the most influential information-sender in our world.

It can inspire change in the world, whether good or bad.

Don't forget to submit a photograph, along with title and caption, to peaceinfocus@gmail.com. This month's theme (deadline of October 1st) is "Where do you find peace?" We're sure all of you have places, environments, people, and situations in which you find peace. We'd love to share them with the world!

August Photo Competition!

2010-08-03T12:34:00.000-04:00

Announcing the winner and honorable mentions for our August 2010 Photo Competition. The theme, "whom do you most admire in your community?", brought many phenomenal entries of loved and admired individuals and causes, which we invite you to view below in our slideshow.

Congratulations to Andrea Lubrano, this month's winner!

"Faith is believing in what is true"

Woman in prayer.

Jerusalem, Israel 2010

I admire those who walk around with a little faith.

"Innocently so they already know where they stand"

Muslim children at play.

Jerusalem, Israel 2010

I admire the innocence and carefree spirit of children.

"Stranger with intellectual property"

Man on bike

Tel Aviv, Israel 2010

I admire those who have embraced their sense of self and have been able to intertwine their inner child and adult self, taking a leap of faith.

Congratulations also to our honorable mentions:

Rebecca Bezaire for her photograph entitled "Siblings. Future Leaders" and Ciza for her photograph of her brother.

See these photographs below in the slideshow (click on this link for captions and titles)!

Monarchy in Burundi: A Slideshow by Eric Nsengiyumva

2010-07-30T12:20:00.002-04:00

Enjoy this photo slideshow from Eric Nsengiyumva on the monarchy in Burundi.

These historical images show the progression of the monarchy from the mid-19th through the mid-20th century, as well as the evolution of photography in Burundi.

Click to view the slideshow full screen with captions.

July Photo Competition Winner!

2010-07-08T22:16:00.001-04:00

Congratulations Allison Hopkins of Hinckley, Ohio

"Raise Your Voice"
This photo was taken on a hike in Hocking Hills, Ohio. It is a great source of inspiration to me, because it symbolizes humanity and the need to reach for more. Better times and better life come when everyone reaches out - it symbolizes the growth for equality.

"When We Were Small"
This photo was taken near a small waterfall in Hocking Hills, Ohio. The kids were playing in the heart of the water, and it reminds me of simpler times when youth overlooked differences of people. It to me is the heart of equality. The innocence each of us wishes we could have is now blinded by the stereotypes society has etched in our minds.

Don't forget to submit to our August Competition, "Whom do you most admire in your community?"

June Photo Competition Winner and Honorable Mentions

2010-06-22T08:10:00.000-04:00

Woman Feeding a Child

Raissa Ndayishimiye

"Looking to the way it is very hard to raise a child, makes me believe in mothers"

Honorable Mentions to:

Georgina Winthrop

Tulips in the Snow

"This image of perseverance in nature reminds me to stay strong and to grow when faced with adversity"

Thierry Ngabo

My Family

"My family is a part of things that give me hope, for their smiles widen my horizons of hope"

Aimee-Gloria Nahimana

A Teacher

"I trust my teacher because he helps me get my knowledge as far as the eye can see, and know what I didn't know before"

Thank you to all participants!

This month's theme is What does equality look like? We would love to see your photographs! Please submit them to peaceinfocus@gmail.com by July 1st!

Our Journey To The Corners (video)

2010-06-07T00:24:00.000-04:00

The Peace in Focus spring 2010 group of 10-16 year olds rode the 66 bus, using their critical photographic and conflict transformational eyes to document and compare two neighborhood centers in Boston. They produced this essay of photographic pairs for a public art project called Virtual Corners, which seeks to break down the divide and distance between two very diverse communities with significant historical connections: Coolidge Corner, Brookline, and in Dudley Square, Roxbury. Here's a video version of their collective photo essay, also featured in on exhibit at the USES Harriett Tubman House in Roxbury.

All the photographs that appear in this short movie were captured by Peace in Focus youth
participants including:

Alex (15)
Adriana (13)
Dounia (15)
Khadijah (12)
Miniya (10)
Sadiq (12)
Shaliah (13)

Voices Heard include:

Danielle Martin, PiF Instructor
Dounia, youth participant
Jumaada, Nubian Notion, Dudley Sq
Ethel Weis, Irvings Toy & Card Shop, Coolidge Corner
Khadijah, youth participant
Willy, the 66 Bus Blues Man
Other Music by Fireproof Babies - Bathroom_Blues from CCMixter.org

Special thanks to our staff/volunteers:
Kate, Kyle, Julian, Danielle, Heather, Kim, Ben, & Pablo

Also special thanks to the support of John Ewing & the Virtual Corners project, Thaddeus Miles of MassIMPACT, United South End Settlements, and the Knight Foundation.

www.peaceinfocus.org
www.virtualcorners.net

Film by Danielle Martin (MizzD Productions 2010)

Digital Stories from USES Afterschoolers!

2010-06-04T20:29:00.001-04:00

Here's the final reflective digital stories made by 10-12 year old participants in our 6-week session this spring. The youth used a script, much like a Mad Lib, to draft a short reflective digital story that featured some of the photos they took over the 6 weeks then their own recorded voice telling us about their identity, their sources of conflict, how they find or build peace, and their ideas on how to change the world. This Peace in Focus spring collaboration with the United South End Settlement's Afterschool Program was made possible through the support of MassIMPACT.

David's Story

Elsa's Story

Jeremiah's Story

Mahki's Story

Serv's Story

Announcing a Photo Competition Winner: Congratulations Roxanne Krystalli!

2010-05-10T08:50:00.002-04:00

"Bursting in the Desert"

Roxanne Krystalli

One of two water reservoirs irrigating the Bahariya Oasis in the Western Sahara Desert.

May Contest Theme: What I cannot live without.

Submit photographs for our June Photo Competition:

Theme: What is your source of hope?

From Dudley to Coolidge - Photography & Conflict along the 66 Bus

2010-04-24T09:08:00.002-04:00

Ever wondered why neighborhoods in Boston are so different? Ever been to Dudley Square? How about Coolidge Corner? The Boston crew has started a new group project, documenting life in two neighborhoods that both lie on the 66 bus route, but rarely interact with each other.

We're gathering photo impressions as part of the Virtual Corner s public art project:

Beginning in June 2010, a storefront in Coolidge Corner, Brookline, and in Dudley Square, Roxbury will be transformed into large video screens, providing pedestrians of each neighborhood with a portal into one another's worlds. Running 24/7, life-size screen images and AV technology will enable real-time communication between residents of the two neighborhoods.

We've been riding the bus, with cameras and lil notebooks in hand.

Today, we'll start doing some audio interviews with residents and bus riders, asking questions like:

How old are you?
Where are you from?
Are you in school? Where?
How do you feel about your community?
What's your favorite food?
Are you a photographer?
What's one word to describe you and why?
What do you think about this place?
How do you feel when you come here?
Do you like it?
How do you think people outside the community view it?
What's positive about this place? What would you change?

If you're around, come join us!

Announcing a Photography Competition

2010-04-13T23:19:00.018-04:00

Peace in Focus

International Photography Competition

Peace in Focus is launching an international photography competition for youth. Each month, we will accept submissions on a particular theme from young photographers around the world. The themes will reflect the core interests and values of Peace in Focus – youth leadership, non-violence, and socially conscious photography. Participants may submit literal or artistic interpretations of the subject, and photographs will be evaluated on their creativity, social message, and unique framing of the topic. Winners will receive a $25 prize and will be featured on our blog and website. All entries will be included in a monthly online slideshow, highlighting the vision and voices of young people around the world.

Requirements

Photographers must be 25 years old or under to be eligible to win.
Photographers may submit one to three photographs depicting the month’s theme. Each photograph or photo-essay must be accompanied by a title and caption that explains the photographer’s message or point of view.
Submissions must be emailed to peaceinfocus@gmail.com by the 1^st of each month. Remember to include your name, age, address, phone number, photo title and caption.
Please note that by participating in this competition, you grant permission for Peace in Focus to feature your work online and/or in print materials.
All entries, including the month’s winner, will be featured on the Peace in Focus website and blog.

Monthly Themes

May 1, 2010: What is something you cannot live without?
June 1, 2010: What is your source of hope?
July 1, 2010: What does equality look like?
August 1, 2010: Whom do you most admire in your community?
September 1, 2010: Where do you get information about your community or the world?
October 1, 2010: Where do you find peace?
November 1, 2010: What is your dream for the future?
December 1, 2010: If you could say anything to one thousand people, what would you say?

Click here to download and share a .pdf version of this announcement. We look forward to seeing your photos!

Photography Concepts and Conflict

2010-04-10T11:49:00.000-04:00

Here's some photos we took while talking about how photo concepts can illustrate issues of conflict. We also learned photography techniques like focus, angle, point of view, framing, time and cropping/zooming. We then went for a walk near USES at a park near Northeastern University and tried out our new skills.

This is a picture that shows focus,because it's only showing the little detail and not the entire photo.
-Rashaan

This picture show Angle/ Point of View.

-Rashaan

These 2 pictures represent the Time concept and I used them because the second picture shows that overtime events occur that change peoples moods or facial expression.
-Devaughn White

These 2 pictures represent the Cropping and Zoom concept. I decided to use these two pictures because without seeing the computer in the second image, you would not know where the plant was.
-Devaughn White

These 2 images kind of represent the Framing concept because it excludes something (the books) and it also shows Timing again because the first image, the books are included. In the second image it shows that some people passed by and helped themselves to the books.
-Devaughn White

Try out this Conflict Photo Hunt

2010-03-30T15:13:00.025-04:00

This week during the Peace In Focus Open Lab times at USES Harriet Tubman House, we'll be exploring images of conflict using a quick photo scavenger hunt. Open this worksheet and try it yourself!

Check out National Geographic's photography website:
http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/

It has some great photography tips sections: http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-tips/portrait-photography-tips/

Watch the video on on photojournalist, Reza: http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/news/chiefeditor/2008/11/photojournalist-reza.html

How does Reza portray conflict in his photos? What other things does he capture about the culture in places experiencing war and conflict?

Now, look through the People & Culture section, and find 5 images that you think portray conflict: http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-of-the-day/people-culture/

Then, check out the Boston Globe photo archive (or other Boston based news sites), and find 5 images that you think portray conflict in Boston:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/photos/Archive/ or http://bostonherald.com/news/ or http://openmediaboston.org/news

Try searching news stories for neighborhoods in Boston, like Hyde Park, Dorchester or Roxbury? How are they different than the photos that go with articles on other neighborhoods like Brookline, the South End, or Fort Point?

Here's what Khadijah wrote about the pictures she found:

These pictures made me feel very unhappy and kind of strange because some of the pictures did not make a lot of sense and one of them made me laugh. Also some of the pictures made me think I should do something about it and I also think that just the picture kinda gives you the idea of what is happening in the story.

[Photograph by Lynn Johnson, National Geographic Magazine Features]

Also check out the photos found by Sadiq and Devaughn.

What do you think? How can we genuinely capture images of conflict as aspiring photojournalists and agents of social transformation in our communities?

Our Identity Collages!

2010-03-27T14:48:00.023-04:00

The following are a number of collages made by the youth of Peace In Focus during the first weeks of the spring training institute at USES Harriet Tubman House in the South End.

The first was created by Sadiq and, quoted, he said: "The image all the way to the left is showing that I'm learning to be good at photography because there's nice lighting to it. The top-centered one shows that I like reading and I'm intelligent, etc. The one below that shows that I like to sleep. And the one to the far right shows a picture of me as a photographer and how I view myself as one. I also really like it."

My name is Shaliah and this collage is basically five different ways to describe me. For my first example, the picture at the top left-hand corner shows that i'm a LOVING individual. The second one, to the right of that one is a way to show that i'm SiLLY. The one below it shows that i'm SERIOUS.The last one,to the bottom left-hand corner, shows that i'm FLEXIBLE.

HI my name is Miniya. These pictures are all about how I want people to see me.

Hi my name is Adriana, this shows that I'm goofy and sweet at the same time. This collage is my about my identity because this is how I see myself. Sometimes I don't think I'm a nice person. But I like to see myself this way, not an angry devil but instead an angel.

My name is Khadijah and I did this colllage to express myself. The two people on the wall [at USES] mean I like to dance and the stairs mean I like heights. I also like to make friends and I love the Red Sox. These are all ways I want to be seen.

My name is Devaughn White and the collage that I made shows what I am like.The picture in the top right hand corner shows that I like sunny days, below displays that I like to sleep. The picture of me all the way at the bottom of the image shows that I am friendly and I like taking pictures of myself. The image of me walking shows that I like to walk and my backpack sends the message that I like school. The picture of the sneaker shows that my favorite color is red but also that I absolutely love sneakers.

Learning about Photoshop

2010-03-18T17:37:00.001-04:00

Today we learned about Adobe Photoshop! We went around and took pictures. We made special effects with our photos like we made crazy pictures. We took pictures of ourselves and added crazy things. Miniya added a crazy mustache. Also Khadijah added a wonderful rainbow to her background and she also made a peace sign. We saw crazy Antonio.

See ya on Saturday!

Peace!
-Khadijah & Miniya

From Boston Spring '10

Feeling like a Leader

2010-03-03T21:46:00.025-05:00

“Wow” is all I have to say. There were so many people at our exhibit! I thought there were just going to be a few people, but I was wrong – it was packed! So many people from so many places came. When I was told that the amount of people was in the hundreds, I said, “Yeah, right, there must have been thousands!” But seriously, it was packed, so that must show that our group is not as small as it was in the beginning when I first joined Peace in Focus two years ago.

I remember the first day, there were a few people, but now Peace in Focus is huge! This exhibit confirmed that for me. The first day, I felt awkward and shy, but Peace in Focus helped me overcome the fear of introducing myself to new people. Now, I have high self-esteem and self-confidence.

During the exhibit, we all wore t-shirts that said, “This is what a leader looks like.” Even State Representative Byron Rushing spoke to me and read my t-shirt. But my favorite part was seeing everybody in the group at the exhibit, because I missed everybody.

I also thought the pictures from Burundi and Liberia were awesome! I liked that teens my age, even if they have few resources, learned to use the camera to show their point of view. People tell you that you don’t have a voice, but when you get the chance to find it, you should take that chance, because sometimes you’ll have a voice louder than others. I want my peers in Burundi and Liberia to know that people in a different country can hear your voice, too.

In the future, I see myself helping Peace in Focus get more participants. My teacher is helping me recruit people, and I want to get more people involved. I am also helping my friends overcome bullying. Since second grade, I was bullied. Now I tell my friends that when bullies say something, let it go. Those people won’t always be there.

I never knew that I was such a good leader until I came to Peace in Focus. This shows my true potential as a leader.

- Dounia, age 14

Photos by Jeff Langevin and Saul Blumenthal.

2010 is off to a great start!

2010-02-25T15:58:00.004-05:00

Peace in Focus thanks everyone who came out to our opening ceremony at the Harriet Tubman House on Feb. 11 in Boston! For those who weren't able to attend, the photos are on display (and for sale) through April. To see more photos visit our online Galleries.

We offer the following images of our 2010 activities thus far:

February 2010: Geisha, age 15, Peace in Focus youth leader, after appearing on NBC's Urban Update (which aired at 11:30AMEST on NBC on Sunday, February 28, 2010)

Here are a few links to other media coverage of our work:

January - February 2010: Several Peace in Focus photos were featured on the Boston World Partnerships website. http://www.bostonworldpartnerships.com/blog/category/boston-life-blog
February 2, 2010: Peace in Focus Executive Director, Kyle Dietrich and youth leader, Antonio Stroud speak about PIF programs, mission, and the power of photography on Boston Neighborhood Network (BNN) News. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yUz5MKQ6wQ
February 18, 2010: "Photography training expands teens' horizons" by Sandra Larson, Bay State Banner http://www.baystatebanner.com/local11-2010-02-18

February 11: Attendees at the opening ceremony to our photography exhibit on Feb. 11, 2010 at the Harriet Tubman House in Boston (photo courtesy of www.saulblumenthal.com)

Massachusetts State Representatives Byron Rushing and Gloria Fox speaking at our opening ceremony, with Thaddeus Miles, PIF Board President, and Kevin Lee Harper, President and CEO of United South End Settlements (photo courtesy of www.saulblumenthal.com)

February 17: Peace in Focus leads peace activities for Boston youth during BCYF's (Boston Center for Youth and Families) "Peace-a-Palooza"

February 18: Peace in Focus and hundreds of local youth march to the Massachusetts State House to demand increased funding for summer youth jobs

Peace in Focus Boston Photography Exhibit, February 11, 2010

2010-01-29T14:17:00.001-05:00

Thaddeus Miles and Peace in Focus present a "Celebration of Peace through Arts."

Despite being on the front lines of disaster, civil war, and urban and gang violence, youth voices and perspectives are rarely found in mainstream media. Peace in Focus works to train young people in photography, media, community leadership, and innovative peacebuilding practices with the aim of elevating youth voice and emphasizing the role of creativity in building community. Our exhibit and celebration on February 11 6-9PM at the Harriet Tubman House will showcase a selection of photos taken by Thaddeus Miles (Board President of PIF) and our young photographers in Boston, Burundi, and Liberia -- giving us a window into their lives, struggles, and undeniable talent as visual storytellers.

This event invites community members interested in photography, youth and community work, and global peace to celebrate youth efforts at creating visible social change. There will be interactive youth photography stations, spoken word, live music, light refreshments, special guests, and gifts for sale.

Photos will be on display through April.

For more information, contact info@peaceinfocus.org

Thaddeus Miles' photography: www.Tmilesphotography.net
Peace in Focus: www.peaceinfocus.org

Peace in Focus Liberia Participant Bios

2009-10-10T12:43:00.000-04:00

Alice  

I am grateful that I was accepted to be a part of the Peace in Focus training workshop when I brought my brother for the workshop. It has added a new dimension to my life that I will forever remember. Did I forget? No. My name is Alice and I was born in August 1987 in Monrovia, Liberia. Liberia is great, we are recovering gradually from 14 years of civil war and one of such transformation has been Peace in Focus coming to Liberia. I am very glad you came and more happy that you afforded me an opportunity to participate and learn. I promise to use all the knowledge obtained especially those on conflict and violence by working on myself and then on others who are my peers.

Boakai  

My name is Boakai and I was born in January 1992. I am from Nimba County, one of the fifteen counties of Liberia. It is located in the North and is surrounded by Bong County, Grand Bassa County, Rivercess County, Sinoe County and Grand Gedeh County. It also shares a border with the Guinea and Ivory Coast. I graduated from High School on the last day of the Peace in Focus workshop, which was great. I love to go out with friends, play games, watch television especially football game and listen to jokes on radio. My favorite team is MANCHESTER UNITED football club, the #1 in the world. I love hot dogs, fufu and groundnut soup, fried okra soup, fried potatoes and many more. The training done by Kyle with the support of Ma Bendu and Pulano was great and we hope to get on more and more with making photos and telling stories of them. We shall also become good peacebuilders in our communities.

Emmanuel Chea  

Emmanuel Chea is my name and I was born in April 1993. Can you guess my age then? ____ ok. I have two brothers and five sisters and I am a proud Liberian. I attend the Matilda Newport Junior High School in Monrovia. It is one of the many public schools run and owned by the government. Every day of my life, I am dreaming of becoming a Doctor. My hope is to help young people by building a medical center for them. The Peace in Focus training workshop plays an important role in my life by helping me make images that tell stories. It also helps me understand that whenever I have a conflict with anyone, I should resolve it positively, but not to think of negative and destructive means that will breed more tension. My favorite foods are fried chicken, fish, fried beans and rice.

Emmanuel Kardyuway 

My name is Emmanuel Kardyuway. Is my last name difficult for you to pronounce? It is easy, Kar-ju-way. It is a typical Liberian name. I was born in Bong County to the union of Martha Kardyuway and Moses Kardyuway in March 1992. I went to primary school and began my secondary education but could not continue because my parents could not pay my school fees. I am currently living with my oldest brother and pray to be in school some day. I enjoyed the workshop. At least, I can become a good photographer if I do not go back to school. I hope this training continues so that I can fully learn all that I can with Peace In Focus thereby transforming my life and becoming a meaningful citizen. Thanks to our Liberian brothers and sisters who will assist us to improve in the absence of Kyle.

Fanny  

Fanny is my name and I do not know my age. I lived with my grandmother in Harbel, Margibi County for most of my childhood life. I came to Monrovia in 2004 and began school. Now I am a fourth grade student of the Esther Barcon Elementary School. It is a school owned and operated by the government. I enjoyed my days at the Peace In Focus workshop where I learned how to make photos and overcome conflict in my own life. It was really great for me and I know that all I learned can be used to improve my life. I am a very shy person but gradually I am beginning to interact with others. I see most of my friends are educated and I want to be educated too. In the future, I want to be a nurse.

John

I was born in November 1992. I live in Monrovia and I am a 12^th grader attending the New Era International School located at Bushrod Island. My desire is to be a medical doctor who will affect my community, country, and the world at large by fighting sicknesses, violence, and conflict daily. I am very grateful for the opportunity afforded me by through the training workshop. Through the training, I can now talk to my friends and others to stop violence. I now know how to tell a story from a picture. Pictures are meaning to my life and the transformation of my community and my country. Though we suffered much by the many years of civil war and the pictures we remember are all negative, but together, we can turn a negative picture into something positive and tell a new and resounding story. Here at home, I spend some of my time watching my favorite team CHELSEA FC. I love rice and spaghetti and sometimes other food like bread, eggs, potatoes, oranges, apples and banana. Finally, Peace In Focus, please come back again.

Naomi

Naomi is my name and I am 14 years old. I had many challenges at the Peace in Focus Workshop. It was my first time to handle a camera and more over to talk among my peers. As we went through the training, I learned to make stories of the picture I took and this has become a very important milestone for success in my life. To my friends, remember that this workshop has given us the space to transform our lives and hope many of my brothers and sisters in Liberia, and the world at large can benefit from such a meaningful program. I want to see development. Many Liberians are living in homes without toilets and as a result, people are using their communities to dispose of waste. Please let us change our attitude. I hope children will have the opportunity to go to school at an early age because I am now 14 years and in the first grade. I never had the opportunity but with God on my side I will learn and become someone great in the future.

Thanks to Peace in Focus and all our local trainers.

Paye

My name is Paye. I am a Liberian living in Monrovia, Liberia. I was born in July 1979 in Bah Town, Gbazon District, Grand Gedeh County. Grand Gedeh County is located in the southeastern region of Liberia. My time at the Peace In Focus Workshop was great. I was not one of those who were chosen as a participant but when I brought my little brother who was a participant, I asked to become a part and was accepted. Now I am learning to make better photos, deal with violence and conflict in my life and best of all relate to people. I am no longer the guy who keeps things inside. My favorite dish is cassava leaf with rice. Cassava leaf is a locally made food. Now I love to take photos, which is my best hobby.

Peter

I am 17 years old and I was born in Monrovia, Liberia. Presently I am living with my parents but not attending school and hope to go back to and continue my secondary education when they are financially able. The Peace in Focus training was great and I hope to become a good MAKER of photos. Cheers to all my friends in Burundi, Boston and Liberia.

Princess

My name is Princess. I was born in October 1994 in Camp Waterloo, Freetown, Sierra Leone unto the union of Mr. and Mrs. D. Samson Jeh. I am a sixth grade student attending the St. Michael Catholic Elementary School in Gardnesville. I want to become a doctor. I enjoyed my days at the program. There I learn how to talk among my friends, about photography, how to deal with violence, conflict, peace and how to answer questions.

Raphael

Raphael is my name. I was born in Ghana, but spend all my life in Liberia. I am sixteen years old and live with my dad and mom at the Steven Tolbert estate. My hobbies are leading, singing and most of the time playing football. My favorite kind of food is rice and fish. I love juices and some vegetables. My time at the Peace In Focus workshop was great. There I learned to make photos and today I am making meaningful photos that can change conflict and violence. My dream is to go to the United States of America to play basketball like Michael Jordan and effect change in the lives of Liberian youth.

Rita

I am 13 years old. I live around Hotel Africa in lower Virginia. I am a 7^thgrade attending the Virginia Christian Academy. When I grow up, I want to be a Medical Doctor. Being a part of the Peace In Focus workshop was so great because I learned a lot of new things and met many new friends. For me, my favorite dish is rice with greens and fried chicken and my best friend is Thelma who was not a part of the program but knows all that we did. Hats off to our leaders, Mr. Pulano and Miss MaBendu.

Veronica

I was born in November 1992 to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson Dean. I am an 11^th grade student at the G. W. Gibson High School. After my graduation, I want to go to a computer school to become an accountant and a good manager. My experience with Kyle, Pulano, and Ma Bendu was great. With them I learned how to make pictures and deal with violence and conflict situations. My favorite hobby is always to be by myself and study my lessons. Also, I love rice and fried fish the most.

Vincent

Vincent is my name and I turned seventeen years old in June 2009. I am a 9^th grade student of the Boatswain Junior High School located in the Jamaica Road Community. I am a Christian and a Grebo by tribe who wants to help change my country. There are sixteen tribes in Liberia. I am from Saywanken Jilapo District in Sinoe County. My desire is to become a Scientist. My second career choice has become what I learned from the Peace In Focus workshop. I want to fully know how to take photos, how to make images, how to read images and use the camera well. I want to help meaningfully resolve conflicts and stop violence.

Peace in Focus in Liberia

2009-10-07T11:50:00.005-04:00

Peace in Focus ran a pilot program in Monrovia, Liberia from Sept. 28 - Oct. 2, 2009 for 14 local youth. Through collaboration with our local partners, the Liberia Media Center and the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding, and with the support of the Liberia Peacebuilding Office, the Ministry of Youth and Sport, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Peace in Focus is working to launch wide-reaching youth development and peacebuilding programs in Liberia in early 2010. This workshop was intended to mobilize support and work with a cadre of talented and underprivileged Liberian youth. These young people have decided to launch a monthly Peace Journal, which will include their stories, photo-essays, and youth perspectives on news and Liberia's transition to peace. The journal will be available online and will be printed locally beginning in December 2009.

During one of our field trips around Monrovia, we visited a flooded and impoverished seaside neighborhood where one of our workshop participants lives. This visit gave our group a chance to visually confront some of the challenges facing each other's communities, and begin to think how they would like to communicate these stories through documentary photography.

To view the video, click the link below:

Boston Cultural Mapping - September 26, 2009

2009-09-28T03:11:00.009-04:00

PHOTOS THAT REPRESENT BOSTON TO ME

by Fehintola

Newspaper stands represents a lot in Boston because the newspaper represents a lot of what Boston is. Every morning when I am going to school I grab a copy of the metro and that gives me some of my information for the day. Pretty much every one in Boston reads some kind of newspaper, it is just a part of everyday life here, and it is a great way for people to stay connected to thing that are going in all around.

The public transportation in Boston to me is the best ever, because when you want to go some where most of the time the MBTA can take you there. It is so amazing, and it is a great way to save energy because then more people would not have to use their cars more often. I think the MBTA is a big part of Boston.

Not everyone in Boston is Religious, but religion is a big thing to me and I do know a lot of people who are residents of Boston who are religious. The thing is that we are made up of a lot of religions here and so it is very diverse. Some people don't consider themselves religious, some people just have some connection to something, and others just are themselves all the time. But religion is something that was in Boston early and so I think it is somewhat a big part of what kind of place Boston is.

The colleges and universities and Boston are very popular, and people come to Boston a lot to attend these schools, because they are so great. Like for instance Harvard was the first college here in Boston. Boston is a good place for education.

LIVING IN BOSTON

by Antonio

FUN: Basketball, smiling

FOOD: Pizza, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese

HOBBIES: Photography, learning, praising God

THE WEATHER AND NATURE: Cold! Unpredictable weather sometimes hot sometimes cold sometimes warm. Nature, city parks

TRANSPORTATION: Public transportation, aggravation! Its better to drive

NEIGHBORHOOD: My neighborhood is divided, black kids hang out with black kids, violent people with violent people. There isn’t a lot of unity, I really hope that I can do more to fix this problem.

HOME: Theres no place like home! I'm fed every day and I have a place to sleep. I live at home with my mom and I love every minute of it.

The below photo represents how as time goes by in Boston everything becomes more advanced including landscapes. This is how most people see Boston (very urban):

This photo is how I see my city Boston. I love murals and people:

This photo represents fun in Boston:

LIVING IN BOSTON

by Dounia

FAVORITE MUSICION OR GROUP: Pink because she focus on real subjects in life , like why is there are so many homeless people.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO SCHOOL: About 20 minutes because it is not that far from my house, but that is just because I have to walk.

PLACE YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR FREE TIME: At a friend’s or family’s homes because I’m not home with my family that I go home to everyday.

AGE: 13 about to turn 14.

HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN YOUR HOME: 4 females, no boys. We are used to being with just girls.

ITEM THAT YOU OWN THAT IS MOST VALUABLE TO YOU: My family because they are always there for me.

PRICE OF A PAIR OF SHOES: $38.00 I try to find good deals on things like my shoes and clothes.

FAVORITE HOBBY: Walking my dog either in the late night or early morning because it is quiet and no one is out.

PRICE OF A LOAF OF BREAD: Either $2.00 or $1.50 because I always ignore the bread that is $3 or more than 3 dollars.

PETS OR ANIMALS AT HOME: I have 1 cat that never sleeps when I need to and 1 dog that is scared of water and of the cat. My dog is 9 the cat’s age is unknown right now but it is still very young.

Peace Day PhotoScavenger Hunt

2009-09-24T23:01:00.016-04:00

Peace in Focus, together with Roots & Shoots and Greenschools, celebrated the International Day of Peace at the Jamaica Pond Boathouse in Jamaica Plain on September 20th, 2009. The festivities included games, music, spoken word, and a photo-scavenger hunt. Peace in Focus alumnae Geisha and Taylor led the activity, teaching young people and adults alike how to use the camera to photograph the clues. Participants had 30 minutes to find and creatively capture:

life, something younger/older than you are, something broken, movement/motion, gravity, contrast, peace, something you want to change, something abstract, love or friendship, something that flies, a close-up, a famous pose, someone in uniform, a candid picture of someone, diversity, youth power, reflection, and harmony in nature

The following photographs were selected among hundreds for being the most artistic, creative, thought-provoking, fun, and beautiful. Congratulations to all the talented photographers!

Go behind the scenes to see more.

I feel peaceful when...

2009-09-21T00:26:00.002-04:00

On the International Day of Peace, we ask you to reflect on moments when you feel most peaceful. Please join us by contributing your thoughts to this photo essay.

Youth activism and Lou Jones' photography studio

2009-08-28T20:12:00.003-04:00

Ambureen:

My name is Ambureen and this is my first year doing Peace in Focus. Starting this program I was nervous. Nervous about not making friends, or not being able to meet a certain expectation. None of these things happened. Everyone was so friendly and we became friends so fast. In this blog I would like to talk a bit about what Peace in Focus was like.

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

This is a quote, we encountered today. What does it mean to you? I interpreted it as, you can live life and take advantage of everything, appreciating what life gives you, and not taking it for granted, or you can treat nothing as a miracle. What we talked about today was leadership, leadership in our communities. We went over different ways of promoting change. Some things we talked about included starting clubs in our schools, and starting clean-ups in our community. One of our facilitators mentioned that there is more to do in our communities than just picking up the trash. She brought up a good point and mentioned all of the other things we could do to build our communities. I really enjoyed this program, and I really love making and spreading peace now. And photography has become a great passion of mine. Peace in Focus is a great program.

Dounia:

One day during the workshop we went to photographer Lou Jones' studio. He told us about his work and he took photos of some of us. We took our bio pictures there. We saw a lot of his pictures and he told us about how he likes taking pictures of pregnant women. He showed one of these pictures and said that the kid in the woman's belly then is now our age or older.. Amazing.

Identity and solidarity

2009-08-26T11:19:00.002-04:00

Geisha:

One day this week we read the quote: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world…We are all meant to shine as children do." This really caught my eyes... Among the activities we have done this week, we were working in stations and we talked about different things: interviewing each other in 2019, preparing the blog, talking about media distortion, looking at iconic images, editing our photos, and designing the Peace in Focus T-shirt!

Sherly:

We did this activity called mapping your identity, where we had to draw a figure of a person and draw lines from its eyes, ears, liver, feet, heart, head and muscles and write how that body part has helped you to get where you've been. For example, what you’ve seen/heard/touched, how they has affected your identity, and where you want to go.

Today we played this game called Crossing the Line. Basically this game was a game to help us get to know and understand each other and we also revealed secrets about ourselves that none of us knew about. So the way you play the game is that a facilitator asks questions and you step across the line if it applies to you.

Next we went outside and took three pictures of how we saw our identity: how we see ourselves, how we think others see us, and how we want to be seen.

Leadership, Light, and Community Mapping

2009-08-23T09:51:00.001-04:00

Taylor:

We’re now finishing the second week at Peace in Focus. Everyday we start off with a quote and have to write down what we think it means. One quote this week was from Albert Einstein. The quote was: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

I think that this quote means that you can choose which way to live your life. One way will turn out good while the other way may not be as great. During the day we talked about leadership characteristics. Here is the list of what characteristics we think a leader should have: Confidence, Positive Action, Influence, Public Speaking, Motivation, Role Model, Trust, Build Relationship, and Honesty

When we were done with that we went outside and talked about light and contrast. We took pictures of objects that had a reflector or sunlight on them, or objects that showed light.

Meshach:

My first week at Peace in Focus was awesome because we traveled around Boston and took pictures that describe the environment. I took pictures of things that describe the area around M.I.T. and the Christian Science Museum. Pictures of tall buildings and nature showed the area around M.I.T. and Christian Science Museum. In all the scenery was very beautiful and I had a great time that day.

Check out our interactive Boston map here.