Nicaraguan Deaf And Blind School

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Worldwide | Saturday, October 16, 2010 | 5 photos

These photos were taken in Managua, Nicaragua at a private school for the deaf and blind. Being there was a very emotional experience and I still possess a sadness that stems from my visions of that place.

At first, I didn't feel like this place was suitable for children with these conditions. I soon realized that I only possessed this thought because of my own background. Being from the United States skewed my vision and caused me to be biased. I thought that two or three children should share one teacher/aid, that the school should be air-conditioned and comfortable, and their recess time should be spent on a playground, not on a fenced in tiled area adjacent to their class room.

Taking away my partiality for American care for disabled people, I realized that this place was very well suited for these students compared to what I had seen days before in Managua and the surrounding areas. These kids were off the streets, had other children to interact with, and had quality care from adults who were determined to teach well and reach these children. These photos portray how I felt and tell the story of that day.

As for me, I am a 20-year-old college student from New Hampshire. In school, my major is international affairs. Outside of school, it is photography. I am trying to learn how to be the best photographer I can be. I spend more time on photograhpy websites than doing my schoolwork. I want to travel and show people the world through my lens. To be chosen would be amazing. I believe this experience would take my photography to the next level while reinforcing and building upon what I have already learned.