Guatemala
Education & Photography Programme

Through Fotokids, a life of poverty is exchanged for a camera, and a scholarship for education. This innovative programme was established by former war photographer Nancy McGirr who has been working with children in poor communities of Guatemala for more than ten years.

Six days a week, students come to the Fotokids centre to follow classes in photography, digital imaging, graphic design, website design, publicity, creative writing, and video. They also receive a hot lunch. More than 100 children, all of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds, are currently participating in Fotokids activities.

The older students are involved in teaching the younger children and they are also developing skills through involvement with the accounts and administration of the project.

WER has commissioned Fotokids to create a portfolio of work illustrating the work which WER have funded elsewhere in Guatemala. Photographers and Students from Fotokids are providing WER with case studies of how people in Guatemala have benefited from the work of WER partners, Transitions Foundation and Cosecha.

Children and their families working with both organisations were interviewed and photographs were taken – leading to some great case studies for WER to use and a great opportunity for the Fotokids team to further develop their skills.

This has been a fantastic opportunity for WER to re-engage with Fotokids and for the students to take part in an exciting project which is giving back so much to the communities they have come from.

Previously WER has funded photography equipment for the children in this project. For more details on Fotokids, please visit the Fotokids website.