A photograph can speak a thousand words.

It can show that you do not require the most sophisticated cameras to capture the true essence of a scene. It can also show that you do not need to be a preofessional to make poetry out of an everyday activity. And, most importantly, it can show that children with no means or exposure can weild their cameras like paint brushes and create masterpieces out of the drudgeries of life.

The idea of using photography as a means of honing children's creativity hit Kathy in 2003 when she started with Joseline who was 8 years old then. Kathy knew the idea would be a hit but had never imagined how well it would actually work out.

After all, these kids were not your average carefree symbols of happiness, plied with the latest gadgets and toys. The kids that EI works with live an extremely harsh life in the most shockingly poor conditions. They do not have the simplest necessities of life like safe homes or running water, leave alone electronic gadgets liek digital cameras. Besides, thsi photography program was to be started for teh most at-risk kids, the ones who had the highest chances of defaulting. 

Still, the experiment began in an organized way in July, 2007 in the filthy slums of Granada with 15 nervous students. The beginning was jittery with most students finding it hard to hold the camera steady. But, amazing though it may sound, few of these kids who had never before held a camera managed to create unbelievably artistic shots within half an hour of the first class! This goes on to show that talent and hard work always persist over the worst conditions and the least resources.

As can be imagined, the photography workshop leader was thrilled with the results. The pictures were not jut simple snapshots of any still life but carefully framed posters of the most ordinary objects made extraordinary by their unique points of capture. After about a week of classes, 8 dedicated students were short-listed for the program. They were taught in two batches and timing was adjusted to suit their school schedules. The progress of these 8 kids has been very inspiring. Their photographs posted on Flickr have generated some of the most appreciative comments and numerous “awards”.

The only male in the photography classes is Colochon. This 15 year old boy is not only one of the most creative in the class but also the most at risk of moving on to the other side of law. With a recent loss of his father and a very real possibility of getting hooked to gangs and illegal activities, photography seems to be one of the only positive aspects of his life.

Extremely passionate and creative, this lad could easily go places if shown the right direction. He surprised everyone with his sensitivity when he suggested the idea of shooting elderly homeless people and child workers to raise awareness about them. This idea is to be one of the next EI projects in June. Advanced classes will be offered to him and other interested kids in summer.

It has been statistically determined that most female participants in the EI program (and in Nicaragua in general) often drop out by the time they are around thirteen years old, putting this category of participants at high risk. Photography, thus, became an engaging attraction for these kids who stayed on due to the innovative classes offered.

Joseline was the first unofficial participant. She started out by taking photos of kids entering the program as founder Kathy Adams interviewed them. She has matured into a phenomenal photographer and an excellent student who is still very much with EI. Just like her, several other kids, who might have cut short their education, have been tempted into sticking with the program. Photography has become the most loved extra-curricular activity that helps the kids channel their creative energies into timeless creations.

What is absolutely delightful is that these kids try to go beyond the usual technicalities and look deep into the soul of the scenery. A leaf becomes a canvas for shadow play. Fruits change into colorful paintings. A sunrise becomes a light from heaven. Tractors convert into dusty compositions of harvest. A pup becomes the symbol of these kids' sad lives.

The heart wrenching conditions of these children are  completely contrasted by the sheer magnificence of their lovely photographs. Every phot shows a mind crying out to have  better opportunities and a heart determined to change the misery of life. Just look at the world through the eyes of the photographers and you see stories of hope amidst misery and courage in the face of devastation.

- Neha Singh 

What do you do when asked to help in an area that is frustratingly remote and painfully difficult to work in? If you are a member of EI, you collect all the essentials, rent a pickup truck, and hop in its back to deal with the challenge head on!

In fact, this is exactly what happened when EI was approached by community leaders at Santa Ana de Malacos, a rural location, often accessible just by horses and mules. It didn't matter that no one wanted to work in this remote location; the team at EI took up the challenge.

Their first task was to distribute school supplies like backpacks and uniforms to the children of Santa Ana de Malacos. On February 3rd, the distribution was successfully completed with the help of the Rotary Club. Students as well as parents showed their interest by being present in large numbers.

Anielka, the EI Nicaraguan program director, says about the distribution program, "When we started the program, the children and their parents listened intently to the instructions and were very friendly with the staff. Once the work was completed the parents helped in the cleaning of the classroom and asked questions about the program". This overall participation from the community is what EI aims to achieve because only when every child as well as parent participates actively, will there be sustainable progress. It is, therefore, always heartening to see the enthusiasm and interest of the children and parents.

What is even more heartening is that those students, who once were being helped by EI, now help EI with the tasks! Margarita is one of the young girls who graduated from high school against many odds and is about to attend university via EI. This talented student is now an intern at EI and assists new children in receiving education and support. When the distribution of supplies to school started, she was one of the main team players. It is touching to note what she had to say on the day after the distribution.

"When I saw the children wearing the new uniforms and carrying their new backpacks, I was overwhelmed with happiness. I am sure I will never forget this experience and pray to God that someday I start a program like this and help many children."

On the distribution day, not only did EI distribute backpacks and uniforms to children at Santa Ana de Malacos but also distributed supplies to 200 children in Granada, the main location where EI works.
No challenge was big enough for the brave volunteers.

If there was a lack of funds - "we found everything at the lowest cost after scouring all the markets"

If there was too much work - "all parents came over to the office to help in the packing of the supplies which were going to be awarded".

When hungry and tired - "we looked at the beaming faces of the kids and knew that this was the best compensation we could receive".

EI not only provides all the school supplies to the children but far more importantly, provides the much needed support and guidance.

Each family needs to be convinced about the importance of education so that all guardians help their kids with their education. EI uses a special "contract" to ensure that each child completes his education. According to these contracts (which every parent must agree to before receiving all the supplies), the parents need to agree to complete the year, support the child in the best way they can, work with EI and learn, and make an effort to keep the child's attendance high. The parents are also required to attend a monthly community meeting where everyone shares their stories and problems.

Inscription day is always an important function for EI. Teen volunteers, parents, and EI staff  work tirelessly, often more than 10 hours per day, to give the new supplies, and cherish, what Carla terms as, "the beautiful smiles of happiness" of kids. Carla is another young worker in EI who started out as a volunteer, hoping to build up her computer skills and her passion and enthusiasm earned her first right to a position when EI needed a new employee.

A week after the inscription in Granada and Santa Ana de Malacos, Anielka went to distribute supplies to 46 children in Costa Rica, a country much more successful than Nicaragua in development and literacy. This is where EI first started. Today, after 9 years, the families there understand the importance of education and are confident and capable of handling the education of their children on their own. The fact that they "get" the need of education is definitely a high point and EI aims to achieve that and more in the impoverished and neglected communities of Nicaragua.

This year EI has more than 230 kids in Nicaragua. They need to be provided with the school supplies like uniforms and backpacks as they are too poor to purchase them. They must learn to be resourceful, using community and more educated family (often older siblings) as support when school presents challenges, as many parents are uneducated and often illiterate. They have to be encouraged and supported throughout the year to attend classes as the temptation to drop out when situations get tight is strong. Their parents have to be counseled on the need for continuous encouragement and ways to check their child's progress.
This process, which needs to be carried out for each child, may become frustratingly slow and painfully laborious at times. However, for the team at EI, it is work as usual as they prepare for the new set of (more than) 230 challenges.

Neha Singh