Kenya 2018

In November of 2018, I had the privilege of traveling to the beautiful country of Kenya with an organization called One Child Matters to see firsthand the work they do with children living in poverty. These are the photos that I was able to capture during my time in the country.

The streets of Nairobi.

World Hope Academy, Nairobi. This was the first of many home centers that we visited during our time in Kenya. One Child Matters uses the local church to provide holistic development opportunities for children.

After class, we followed a family into a slum just outside the Hope Center to see their simple and beautiful home. This was our first time seeing what living conditions were like in these areas. I was deeply impacted.Hapi Wanje (middle) works as a S… — After class, we followed a family into a slum just outside the Hope Center to see their simple and beautiful home. This was our first time seeing what living conditions were like in these areas. I was deeply impacted.
Hapi Wanje (middle) works as a Senior Program Manager in this region for One Child Matters. And yes, his name fits his personality.

While in the slum, we took some time to shoot portraits with the people we interacted with.

As we left the slum, I couldn’t help but feel we were taking more than we were giving to the people of Nairobi; even as photographers that were there primarily to raise awareness for an organization that works diligently to address the issues their … — As we left the slum, I couldn’t help but feel we were taking more than we were giving to the people of Nairobi; even as photographers that were there primarily to raise awareness for an organization that works diligently to address the issues their facing. As the trip continued, this conviction grew, and by the end of the trip I was intentional to show each person their portrait before I left. Seeing that some of them didn’t even have mirrors, seeing themselves in an image was likely a special experience.

Turkana Region, Kenya

To see the work that One Child Matters does in less-developed areas, we traveled to the region of Turkana. Though the flight lasted only an hour and a half, it really felt like we were in the middle of nowhere when we landed on the dirt runway in Lo… — To see the work that One Child Matters does in less-developed areas, we traveled to the region of Turkana. Though the flight lasted only an hour and a half, it really felt like we were in the middle of nowhere when we landed on the dirt runway in Lokori. The 30 degree temperature increase was nice, too.

Lokori, Turkana from above.

As we landed, we were greeted by over 100 individuals (young and old) from the community of Lokori. Their excitement was infectious, and something I won’t soon forget.

Lokori, Turkana Region

Each morning in Lokori, we went out into the village to take photos of the people and their homes. Those mornings held some of my favorite moments of the whole trip.

Home Visits - Turkana Region

During our time in Turkana, we visited many homes to hear firsthand the stories of kids whose lives have been changed by the vital work of One Child Matters. Daniel (second from the left) wants to become a doctor so that he can come back and impact … — During our time in Turkana, we visited many homes to hear firsthand the stories of kids whose lives have been changed by the vital work of One Child Matters. Daniel (second from the left) wants to become a doctor so that he can come back and impact his community for the better. As long as he gets good grades, he is eligible for scholarships and student loans that would allow him to study at a university in Nairobi. The work that One Child Matters does is instrumental in empowering kids to be healthy individuals, which then enables them to study, learn, and ultimately build a future.

Daniel’s parents died when he was born, so he now lives with his step-parents and eleven step-siblings in Turkana.

“I want to be a doctor, because, for example, my family, I will attend to them and make sure they are well.” - Daniel, 17

Katilia, Turkana Region

This guy’s dance moves were unbelievable. If I had more time, I would’ve asked him to teach me his ways.

The office for KE-025 Hope Center in Katilia, Turkana.

Shade is a precious resource in Turkana.

Masai Mara - Safari

To learn more about the incredible work of One Child Matters and to sponsor a child, visit their website here.

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