Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Monday, October 20, 2008

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Friday, August 1, 2008

Ponto Br Photography Program



Photography has proven itself as one of the most effective ways of engaging young people in communities both at home and around the world. Through the lens of a camera, young people are able to see their own reality in a different light and think critically about how they can improve the health of their communities.

Schools Without Borders (SWB), working along with other youth led iniatives, is introducing a dynamic photography program in Vila Aliança (a favela in Rio de Janeiro), to engage the youth of the community.

The Ponto Br social initiative, being an umbrella organization of IBISS, along with Schools Without Borders (SWB) aims to offer sustainable technical training and social space for young people to pursue careers as photographers.

Who is SWB?


Schools Without Borders (SWB) is a youth-run, Canadian charity that is responding to the need to make learning more accessible for today's youth. SWB's mission is to develop lasting learning communities through innovative youth-led initiatives that facilitate youth engagement and responsible leadership.

In partnership with dynamic and established NGOs in Canada, Brazil, Kenya, Nepal, India, and Thailand, SWB provides hands-on/project-based learning experiences for today's youth that: create positive spaces for young people to develop their skills, experiences and confidence; provide guidance for youth to turn raw idealism into responsible action; and build durable community networks that allow youth to learn from each other by sharing their culture and experiences.

Check out their website at www.swb.ca

Who is IBISS?


Based in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, IBISS (translates into English as the "Brazilian Institute for Innovations in Public Health") is a remarkable organization that has won International acclaim for its work. Under the guidance of director Dr. Nanko Van Buren, IBISS works with passion to help those in need; in particular, Brazilians who live on the streets, in slum quarters and on the periphery of Rio de Janeiro. Their projects focus on collaborative and innovative methods of building community driven initiatives, and social health projects.

By focusing on community development and fighting social exclusion, IBISS has been able to effectively plant numerous development projects such as Ponto Br, in Vila Aliança, run by members of that community. The result is highly successful initiatives made for, and by, locals, focusing on their community’s immediate needs.

Ponto Br is a growing organization that encourages youth to be active within their community. They currently have a very successful percussion program teaching young people the value of discipline and unity. Their football program also provides important pass times for the young of Vila Aliança; they are also currently working towards building a sustainable program in photography as well.

Check out their site at www.ibiss.com.br

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Check out the previous program!


This footage was from the first photography program ran in Vila Aliança in 2006, lets keep it going!