Healing through photography

On behalf of Lens on Life, we are excited to share an update on our students' progress and accomplishments worldwide. Your continued support has been vital in making these achievements possible.

During our recent time in Jordan, Iranian ballistic missiles flew over the Zaatari camp—a stark reminder of the fragile and volatile environment we work in. While the graduation was a moment of celebration, it was underscored by the harsh realities of the region.  For many of our students, who escaped the horrors of the Syrian civil war, this incident painfully resurfaced memories of their trauma. Yet, their ability to persevere and create in the face of such adversity stands as a powerful testament to their unyielding resilience.They completed our programming and are producing incredible work, earning income as photographers, and processing trauma.

In Iraq, although conflict forced us to cancel a planned visit, our students and teachers pressed forward with a successful photography exhibit in Sulaymaniah, ‘Outside of Square’. Attended by the local community and covered by global media, the exhibit showcased student work inspired by the UN’s SDGs. It was a powerful moment of artistic expression, proving that even in times of hardship, art can bridge divides and spark important conversations.

In the DR Congo, our students continue to show extraordinary resilience amid the ongoing conflict in North Kivu. Violence and instability in the region have intensified, but our students are unwavering in their commitment to their education and creativity. Despite these challenging circumstances, they completed their third round of the Canon YPP and have developed impressive portfolios. They are now preparing for internships with the Eastern Congo Initiative, which will provide invaluable real-world experience. We will also be hosting an exhibit of their work in 2025, giving them a platform to share their stories and perspectives with the world.

In Cameroon, we are proud to have brought on alumni Preston and Erica as paid assistant teachers, furthering our goal of empowering the next generation of photographers. Additionally, three of our students have been awarded scholarships from Canon to attend the CRTV Institute for Training and Conservation of Audiovisual Heritage. This opportunity will help launch their careers in the audiovisual industry. Our students also exhibited their work in Germany, in partnership with a local NGO, continuing to showcase their talent on a global stage.

Our partnership with Youth Justice Network in New York City continues to reach some of the city’s most vulnerable youth, including those who have experienced incarceration or homelessness. These students have rapidly honed their photography skills, and with guidance from our exceptional Creative Advisory Board, they have built impressive portfolios. In the past 8 months, graduates and students have completed various photography assignments across the city, showcased their work at the Photoville festival in Brooklyn, visited the United Nations, and transformed our Bronx space into a hub for artistic expression and professional growth. On November 14th, their work was exhibited at the Benrubi Gallery. The turn out was fully packed, and each  student sold multiple pieces of their own, with some earning over $2,000. Once again, thank you for your ongoing support. Your generosity allows us to continue providing life-changing opportunities for youth worldwide. We look forward to reaching even greater milestones together in the year ahead.