IGVP Cameras for Kids

IGVP Cameras for Kids is an initiative of IGVP Founders to catalyze a new generation of visual peacemakers in developing countries.

Our function is to facilitate the collection of donated, used DSLRs for our affiliate non-profits/NGOs who will utilize them in instructive programs around the world. Youth will explore themselves and their local culture through photographic expression. Their work will be shared on this website for the cause of visual peacemaking!

Our first effort--with YOUR help--is to support the One Shot project in Iraq. Now’s the chance to really Do More with Your Camera.

The ONE-SHOT Project is a non-profit initiative working in northern Iraq, bringing opportunity through vocational training to children living in adverse conditions. We provide photography and multimedia training, while teaching peacemaking values to children.

One Shot is designed around IGVP’s values, ethical code, and peacemaking philosophy.

The ONE-SHOT Project is creating new visual communicators who will be able to present their own culture, show the challenges of their society, create awareness of their situation through multimedia, and advocate for peace.

The ONE-SHOT Project works through a series of “ONE-SHOT Workshops”, supporting organizations, groups, and schools that are already working with children in need. ONE-SHOT identifies talented children, and provides them with education and vocational opportunities, through the teaching of photographic, documentary, and story-telling skills. These skills can provide students with a profession they can use for their whole lives.

In 2012 we will be running four workshops in Sulaymaniyah, northern Iraq.  These include workshops for a group at the local girl’s orphanage, a group at the local boy’s orphanage, a group of street kids at the city’s bazaar, and a group of refugee children.

Our current gear needs are:
-20 point and shoot cameras
-15 DSLR camera bodies with lenses
-memory cards

If you’ve upgraded your gear, please consider putting your older camera into the hands of Iraqi children, so they too will gain the experience of “making a difference.” When these young people receive your camera and/or lens, they will know that someone beyond their borders cares enough to give them something special. They’ll be able to experience firsthand somebody believing in them. That is powerful.

Please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to determine a shipping location most convenient for you.

The ONE-SHOT Project operates under the umbrella of  Millennium Relief and Development, (MRDS). Please stop by The ONE-SHOT Project website if you’re interested in learning more about providing student scholarships or volunteering as a guest instructor.

The ONE-SHOT Project founder and humanitarian photographer Heber Vega (@hebervega), already does amazing work with his MRDS staff that live on site in Iraq. Now, with the help of IGVP Cameras 4 Kids and your donated camera, we can empower Iraqi children!