Image Courtesy of
Kids with Cameras

Kids With Cameras (KWC), the non-governmental organization organized by Born Into Brothels photographer Zana Briski, is dedicated to teaching “the art of photography to marginalized children in communities around the world”; to, among other things, build confidence and empower them. The organizations is also “committed to furthering their general education beyond photography either by linking with local organizations to provide scholarships or by developing our own schools with a focus on leadership and the arts.”

In Calcutta, this involves the building of a school which will provide both accommodation and education for up to 150 children from red light districts, courtesy of the Buntain foundation, which runs 80 other schools in India. Art will play an important role as will a college fund. The buildings are being designed pro bono by Studio Mumbai Architects, and two companies are providing free of charge engineering and landscaping.

The model was unveiled on February 11 at a benefit dinner in New York; the general aim is to raise $1 million – pre-fundraiser KWC had reached the $200,000 mark.

Also in New York, volunteers can help out at the office; those wishing to help abroad with an idea of what they can contribute are welcomed to get in contact.

KWC also functions as an inspiration to others – not only other children who see their peers succeeding in the Calcutta project, but to children born in marginalized communities around the world, such as in Haiti, Jerusalem, Cairo and New Orleans. It’s not hard to imagine how people can be inspired by the photographs as well.

There are regular updates on the kids if you subscribe to the newsletter; quite a bit of information is on the site as well. None of the children featured in the film became involved in prostitution; several of the girls are at a boarding school, and one of the boys is attending high school in the US.