For me, no feeling compares to the moment when I hand a child a photograph of himself – their faces transform before my eyes and I am amazed as these children fill with a light that is caused by pride. That is the power of a photograph – to give self-esteem to those who have none. This is why taking photos in rural South Africa is my life's most satisfying experience.
-- Brandi Hill, founder of Photos for Africa
The Beginning…
Photos for Africa was founded by freelance photographer, Brandi Hill. An alumna of the University of Florida, Brandi first traveled to Southern Africa while conducting research as an undergraduate. Though it was her research on the judicial system that situated her in South Africa; it was the children who captured her interest. Despite their hardships, Brandi was impressed by their sense of identity and tenacity. Empowered by their yearning to learn and their gratitude for basic school supplies, Brandi began using her skill of photography to raise money to purchase the needed supplies and to provide village and township school students with portraits. While an undergraduate she began creating personal portraits, as a means of fundraising. After graduating in May 2008, Brandi,with the help of donations, and a one-year funding stipend relocated to South Africa. While there she began an after-school program that focuses on South Africa’s most vulnerable children. Modeled after the Police Athletic League http://www.jaxpal.com/main.htm in her hometown of Jacksonville Florida, the program focuses on investing in children through recreation and art in an effort to prevent future criminal activity.
Now…
In 2009 Brandi returned to the States where she continues to use her photography to fundraise. However, thanks to an additional year of funding, the after-school program in South Africa continues to operate.
With the help of donations and corporate sponsorships the program now offers students and their siblings an evening meal and HIV/AIDS education.Furthermore, there are monthly field trips which allow the students to interact outside of the township. Brandi is always looking for organizations or volunteers who are interested in assisting the students in the after-school program. To view photos from the program visit this album: http://www.brandihill.com/gallery/5574199_hranS#341755856_wTQ5N
Brandi is in the process of planning her next trip back to South Africa. Aside from returning to visit the after-school program, she will also be conducting several school portrait projects with local needy township schools.These school portrait projects provide high-risk students in South Africa's neediest neighborhoods the opportunity to have their portrait taken for little to no cost.
Brandi takes pride in operating with minimal over-head costs. While traveling to South Africa, she always flies coach, uses her personal luggage for storing school supply donations, and lives with families in the village or township she is working in.
Brandi is always interested in partnering with student organizations,individuals or civic groups who want to volunteer or fundraise for the students she works with. Please don't hesitate to contact her with any of your ideas. No matter how big or small EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS!
-- Brandi Hill, founder of Photos for Africa
The Beginning…
Photos for Africa was founded by freelance photographer, Brandi Hill. An alumna of the University of Florida, Brandi first traveled to Southern Africa while conducting research as an undergraduate. Though it was her research on the judicial system that situated her in South Africa; it was the children who captured her interest. Despite their hardships, Brandi was impressed by their sense of identity and tenacity. Empowered by their yearning to learn and their gratitude for basic school supplies, Brandi began using her skill of photography to raise money to purchase the needed supplies and to provide village and township school students with portraits. While an undergraduate she began creating personal portraits, as a means of fundraising. After graduating in May 2008, Brandi,with the help of donations, and a one-year funding stipend relocated to South Africa. While there she began an after-school program that focuses on South Africa’s most vulnerable children. Modeled after the Police Athletic League http://www.jaxpal.com/main.htm in her hometown of Jacksonville Florida, the program focuses on investing in children through recreation and art in an effort to prevent future criminal activity.
Now…
In 2009 Brandi returned to the States where she continues to use her photography to fundraise. However, thanks to an additional year of funding, the after-school program in South Africa continues to operate.
With the help of donations and corporate sponsorships the program now offers students and their siblings an evening meal and HIV/AIDS education.Furthermore, there are monthly field trips which allow the students to interact outside of the township. Brandi is always looking for organizations or volunteers who are interested in assisting the students in the after-school program. To view photos from the program visit this album: http://www.brandihill.com/gallery/5574199_hranS#341755856_wTQ5N
Brandi is in the process of planning her next trip back to South Africa. Aside from returning to visit the after-school program, she will also be conducting several school portrait projects with local needy township schools.These school portrait projects provide high-risk students in South Africa's neediest neighborhoods the opportunity to have their portrait taken for little to no cost.
Brandi takes pride in operating with minimal over-head costs. While traveling to South Africa, she always flies coach, uses her personal luggage for storing school supply donations, and lives with families in the village or township she is working in.
Brandi is always interested in partnering with student organizations,individuals or civic groups who want to volunteer or fundraise for the students she works with. Please don't hesitate to contact her with any of your ideas. No matter how big or small EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS!