In anticipation of upcoming talks and shows, I have spent the week reconnecting with the writing created by Daraja students. I began combing through for lines that could be layered on top of photos to help the girls tell their stories more completely. Incredible words emerged from each poem, although one in particular was too beautiful to break apart:
Here I Am
by Gitwa
The sweet aroma of cooked pilau bounces in the air vigorously as it competes to fill my nostrils.
When I wake up at the crack of dawn, I hear the birds singing their melodious songs which carries away my sadness, anger, and stress.
I have never seen kind creatures like the birds.
I enjoy watching them as they fly higher in the sky and as they enjoy their moves.
The enjoyable meeting after dinner, praising, worshiping, and praying, comforts my heart.
It strengthens my foundation.
When I see an organized family I see a peaceful family.
We live in Embu from all those centuries past.
My future dream is to become a role model to many.
The everyday item that I play with is a pen, a book and my mind.
I work hard to fulfill my dreams.
I am from boring to exciting moments.
I am from nobody to somebody.
I am from weak to strong.
I believe in “I can make it.”
I promise and trust myself.
Each day, to make it a success.
The goal? To use these words and images to inspire meaningful interactions. From speaking to packed houses at the Foundation For Women to cross-cultural project and letter exchanges with students at High Tech High International, conversations about girls, education, and self-efficacy have sprung up across San Diego. And this is before the images have been unveiled!! I can't wait to see what ripples out from here.
I need your help to share the visions and viewpoints composed by Daraja students during the Outside The Lens project in a traveling exhibit. Talented graphic artists are donating their time to help me create 10 photoboards that combine multiple images shot by the Daraja girls with handwritten lines of poetry on them.
To produce this traveling collection the way it deserves, my target is $5000. If you would like to support this goal, you can donate through Outside The Lens' Cause page.
In so much gratitude,
Debi
