Uganda

Photojournalist Stephen Shames started a foundation in Kampala, Uganda to educate AIDS orphans and former child soldiers. L.E.A.D Uganda started with 2 kids. There are now 60 students going to top schools in Uganda through that program. 

When I met Mr. Shames, we talked about creating photos to promote the foundation. I had the idea to do a yearbook page showing the kids as they are now- happy students looking to the future.  

These kids come from extreme hardship. As Americans, I think we are used to seeing African children in life threatening situations. Stephen's foundation is making a huge difference- these students are filled with promise and hope like kids in school all over the world. While a person can come from hardship, if given opportunities they can rise to be successful and happy. That is the work Stephen Shames is doing, and that is the story I want to tell with the yearbook page. 

To learn more about L.E.A.D Uganda go to: 

www.leaduganda.org