Volunteering in Uganda

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

Worldwide | Thursday, August 25, 2011 | 5 photos

Four years ago, I traveled to Tanzania to do volunteer work. I love to travel, and it seemed like an amazing way to immerse myself in another culture. It was an incredible experience and I couldn't wait to do it again.

Last year, I decided to go back to East Africa- this time to Uganda. I volunteered with a grass roots organization that supports women and children in need. Most of my time was spent educating communities about health and sanitation issues.

The photos I've submitted are meant to show a glimpse of what experienced during my volunteer placement. The village I lived in was very beautiful. The colours were so rich. Even a simple school room with a dirt floor was incredible to look at because of the colour of the rich red soil.

As a photographer, I've always been drawn to little details. I like to tell stories with the photos I take. I'm addicted to bright colours, interesting patterns and unique compositions.

Winning this scholarship would mean the world to me for a few reasons. I have a personal connection with Africa- I know that I'll be back many times in my lifetime. To have the opportunity to experience South Africa while learning from Jason Edwards would be a dream come true- and to have the opportunity to be published on National Geographic Channel could potentially change my life.

Travel photography is a very difficult profession to break into. For the last four years, I've been working contract jobs to have the opportunity to take time off every year to travel, volunteer, write and take photos. Winning this competition would put me on the path to doing what I love to do most- all year round.