hoi an, VIETNAM
100CAMERAS X BRIGHT FUTURES FOR KIDS
100cameras X Bright Futures For Kids is a part of a 8 class course that is custom designed by 100cameras to equip passionate creatives with the tools to empower youth in a community they care about with the opportunity to learn how to process their stories and create change. Pictured here are 100cameras students during the course.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
During the Spring of 2018, 7 incredible students learned to tell their stories through 100cameras X Bright Futures for Kids in Hoi An, Vietnam. In partnership with Bright Futures For Kids (BFFK), a local non-profit organization that serves youth located in a remote village about forty minutes outside of Hoi An and seeks to create a safe space where kids can be playful and creative in their learning.
The majority of students’ families work in construction, farming, or are small business owners and cleaners -- all who work hard earned hours to provide for their family. In a culture where emotions are practiced to be more reserved, the students are bright and creative, always laughing and finding resourceful ways to entertain themselves. Yet the pressures of society or long days or reserved emotions can take their toll, and the students leaned into the lessons in new ways.
“This was the first time that most of them had ever held a camera, let alone learned about photography and storytelling. It was as if they grew in stature and confidence as they cared for this prized possession and put it to use in their communities and personal lives... The Snapshot course gave the students a platform to expand their self-confidence and transform the ways in which they see beauty and value in their everyday lives.”
ABOUT THE PROGRAM LEADER
As a professional photographer for over 8 years, it has been the job of Program Leader, Kelly Johnson, to document other people’s lives by sharing both individual and community stories. Inevitably, as these stories were shown through her own lens, she has often thought about whether or not the subjects would choose to share their story differently.
“What was I misinterpreting, focusing too much on, or missing altogether? For this reason, hands down, seeing Hoi An through the lenses of the students was my very favorite part of the 100cameras course. I am still even learning this on a personal level, that being empowered to share our own stories holds the potential for profound, healing transformation,” shares Kelly.
As she continues to pursue the path to becoming — in her own words — a more ethical, genuine and empathetic storyteller, Kelly hopes to also take what she’s learned from 100cameras and teach others through photography how to be tellers of their own stories. Truly believing that it is only through sharing, and hearing, one another’s stories that bridges are built and our shared humanity can be perceived. Kelly and her husband live in Vietnam.
Follow us on social media to see images from the field as captured by the 100cameras X Bright Futures For Kids team and the student photographers.