Community is Everything

Photos: Northern Uganda

sharoncrean — Tue, 8 Nov 2011 10:03:00 GMT

There's been war here for 25 years but now there's peace, it's safe and there's a lot of rebuilding going on. The university has opened and there's even a mulitstoried hotel with an elevator!

Playing cards with the Ugandan Police

sharoncrean — Tue, 8 Nov 2011 09:45:00 GMT

Okay, in essence, they watched while my daughter and I played last card while they sussed it out. We were on our way to Gulu, in Northern Uganda to check out water projects our donors had given to as well as some speaking appointments. Two hours into the 5 hour trip our car was making the most horrendous noise. It sounded like every piece of metal was falling out of the motor. Eventually our driver, Edward pulled over to find a mechanic. Good luck in the middle of nowhere! 2 hours later we were still waiting. I insisted on trying to get a hitch on one of the many buses going up North. One thing I've learned about East Africa is that there is no such thing as time keeping. The Africans have time and the Muzungu's have the watches. Trying not to stress out about making it to speak to the Rotary meeting that night, we sat down under the only tree available with the police who were busy doing - well, not too much really. We found out they could speak Swahili so it was good practice for us at least. Another 2 hours later we managed to jump on a crowded bus, with complimentary chickens on board. Our bags were still with Edward as he waited for another day to get the car fixed. Yep, we made it to the Rotary meeting and even to our guest house, but man, I missed my toothbrush until it arrived the next lunchtime. After 25 years of war, Northern Uganda is rebuilding at a remarkable rate. We met a bunch of kids who were at school on a Saturday, you wouldn't find that in Sydney!

Photos: My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

sharoncrean — Mon, 7 Nov 2011 20:09:00 GMT

These photos are taken from my time spent with the community of the Mwangu Ivuti Primary School in the Kitui District of Easy Kenya. Although physically there doesn't seem to be much of value, the things that are important to people - education, water, friendship, connection - are by far of more value. The more I travel to developing countries where life is basic, the more I see what really counts in life - people. I discovered the satisfaction of taking photos only a few years ago and have had the pleasure of taking photos in extreme conditions, where there's dirt, dust, minus 20 degrees and wild oceans. Unfortunately I've never had lessons or a mentor that could show me how to improve my photo taking. The power that a photograph and the message it speaks keeps me keeping on. The real joy comes when I get to show others how to take photos, even with the little I know. I've seen kids who are introverts come totally put of their shells when you put a camera in their hands. I've also seen the joy of showing underprivileged kids in Africa how to take photos and seen the biggest smiles ever. The satisfaction for them is as much as I get out of it. I'm not a great photographer, but I love going to great places and seeing the wonder of the world we live in - then sharing it. I hope I inspire others to get out there and explore the world we live in.