kids with cameras

Kids with Cameras is an organization that believes that photography is an "effective tool in igniting children's imagination and building self-esteem...they believe in the power of art to transform lives, for both the artist and the viewer".
the children are from Calcutta's red-light district.the site provides a gallery of the children's photos that they have taken. what a collection! it's quite refreshing to see the world through the eyes of these children. being half way around the world, i think we forget, or don't care to acknowledge, how children live around the world. they have books, and a dvd and use the profits to help the children.
the founder of the project and film, "Born into Brothels" writes:"It has been my dream, since the beginning of the project, to inspire others to feel, to notice, to challenge, to take action. Some of the most inspiring moments I have had are at screenings of Born into Brothels at schools across the country. American children are riveted by the kids from Calcutta. They connect with them through the film in a way only kids can. Kids want to share, to know more, to get involved. This is why I wanted to build a curriculum around the film, so that it can be a catalyst for awareness and change. Amnesty International, in partnership with Kids with Cameras, has made this happen. I am deeply grateful to them for this."
i don't think i ever gave digital cameras, the benefit of the doubt with respect to having this type of social impact. it gets me thinking about how my students can take the camera "outside the classroom" to bring awareness to social injustice. the possibilities are endless. this site enabled me to think outside the box! to see the world through the eyes of a child is quite humbling for all of us!

http://www.kids-with-cameras.org/education/