Through HER EYES

Photography Empowerment Program

The Birth of "Through HER EYES"

After months in Uganda listening to the stories of these girls they gave parting words saying, “When you go back, tell people in America about us. Let them know what is happening here.” We promised them we would, but didn't’t want the girls we had come to love to turn into a zoo exhibit for tourists to come snap a picture of and then leave.

Zion Project founder, Sarita Hartz, had the thought to give the girls donated disposable cameras to let them speak for themselves about their lives in the camps and what was important to them. We wanted them to tell their story through their own eyes. At first there was no idea what would come of these pictures nor did we have any expectations because many of the girls had never seen a camera before, much less used one. But they were so excited about the cameras. Even more excited than the soap we brought them.

Sarita's friend Joseph Michael, a photographer, had traveled with her up to the camps in and around Gulu to photograph the conditions, and was amazing at being unobtrusive and relationally driven with his photos. He donated his time and photos on that trip to Zion Project so that we could show the tragedy of the situation and the beautiful courage of our Ugandan friends.

We worked with community leaders, and groups of child mothers in two different camps—Awer and Unyama where we had developed relationships. With a brief tutorial and many puzzled looks we set the girls loose to begin documenting their lives. After about a week we retrieved the cameras (not an easy task) but it would be months before we were able to do anything with the 500 photos that were taken.

What we realized most was that although their circumstances are abysmal and very dissimilar from our own, they chose to photograph the same things we would—the people and things they love. They found beauty in the commonplace and a reason to smile amidst despair.
Even more than that they gained self-esteem that they can be an artist.

This exhibit is theirs, and so we dedicate it to them. Sarita has returned to Uganda and has developed a second exhibit taken by our new congolese girls. If you are interested in hosing an exhibit contact: info@zionproject.org

View the Exhibit

Come see Through HER EYES or HOST your own EXHIBIT!
It is truly a life changing experience.

PHOTOS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR SALE!!
View the photos at an event.

This exhibit is also available to all here in the states. We have shown it at several locations including James Madison Univeristy and Artery717 both in Virginia. It is an amazing experience as it allows one to travel through the desperation and despair of the girls' circumstances, showing the resilience of these girls and their children, to the hope offered them trough Zion Project followed by tons of the girls own work displayed for your viewing.

Currently, the exhibit is traveling and is available for display at your church or gallery.
For booking information or more information regarding the exhibit contact info@zionproject.org