Healing through photography

This quarter has been marked by significant milestones that showcase both the breadth and depth of our impact across five global programs. In early December, we hosted "Another Chance" at Benrubi Gallery in New York City, featuring the work of seven formerly incarcerated and homeless youth from our South Bronx program. The exhibition was transformative not only as a celebration of student artistry but as a direct economic opportunity—100% of sales went directly to participating photographers, creating tangible pathways to independence. These same students are part of a cohort that has drawn attention from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, which is exploring Lens on Life as an Alternative to Incarceration option. Meanwhile, graduates from our previous New York cohort were hired as photographers at the UN General Assembly.

Across our international sites, we've reached unprecedented capacity, serving 75 students this year—the most in our history. In Zaatari Refugee Camp, Jordan, our program continues to operate while many other NGOs have departed, providing consistent support to displaced Syrian youth even as the camp population has declined from 90,000 to 60,000. In Arbat Camp, Iraq, our students presented a powerful exhibition in Sulaymaniyah where they addressed gender rights, mental health, food insecurity, and displacement. The event drew Kurdish political officials, one of whom requested that students submit formal proposals on improving camp conditions—a testament to how their voices are now carrying real weight in public discourse.

In Burundi, our students successfully completed the Canon Young People's Programme, developing portfolios focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In Cameroon, three alumni displaced by the Anglophone crisis are now enrolled at university on full scholarships, studying journalism, videography, and digital marketing—proof that our work creates lasting professional futures. As we close out the year, we're grateful for the trust GlobalGiving donors place in us and remain committed to showing up every day for the young people who need us most.

The Lens on Life Project continues to empower youth through photography and digital literacy across our global programs. While our center in Yaoundé, Cameroon, continues to thrive as a vital hub for youth empowerment, we unfortunately had to make the difficult decision to pause our programming in Goma, DRC due to the escalating conflict in the Eastern Congo. This was a challenging decision, but the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority. We are pleased to share that we have opened a new program in Burundi, a neighboring country, allowing us to continue serving the region and providing a safe space for youth to learn and express themselves through photography and digital literacy.

In the Middle East, our work in the Arbat Refugee Camp in Iraq and the Za'atari Camp in Jordan remains critical. Despite ongoing challenges, our programs provide a safe space for young refugees to express themselves, reclaim their narratives, and build a sense of community. The students are actively engaged in impactful projects, using their newfound skills to address issues important to them and their communities. In The Bronx, New York City, we are empowering youth impacted by incarceration and systemic injustice. Our program is not only fostering creativity and skill development, but also opening doors to educational and career opportunities in the arts.

Thank you for your ongoing support, which enables us to continue transforming lives through the power of photography and storytelling.

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