Kenyan Journalists to Document Impact of 0 Years of HIV During National Geographic Photo Camp

WASHINGTON (Jan. 29, 2014)-A group of Kenyan storytellers will have the opportunity to document health-related issues during National Geographic Photo Camp Kenya, Feb. 10-15, 2014. The camp is conducted in partnership with Internews, and the group will be mentored by National Geographic contributing photographers Lynn Johnson, Amy Toensing and Matt Moyer.

The project is part of Internews' comprehensive four-year Health Media Project, which has been designed to develop a sustained media response to major public health issues in Kenya.

Hard-to-tell stories related to abuse, stigma, minority marginalization and traditional practices are a critical part of reporting on health in Kenya. With the theme 30 years of HIV in Kenya, Photo Camp will train a group of young photographers, selected from applicants from around Kenya, to document these issues under the guidance of National Geographic magazine photographers. The six-day workshop will culminate with a multimedia presentation of the Kenyan photographers' work on Feb. 15 at Ufanisi Resort in Kisii, Kenya.

We hope Photo Camp Kenya will provide these young photojournalists with a unique, creative outlet to share their stories, said Terry Garcia, National Geographic's executive vice president for Mission Programs. This is in line with National Geographic's mission to inspire people to care about the planet. We've found that Photo Camp activities can give new voice to the camp attendees and inspire them, and it's always a pleasure to see the fruits of their endeavors.

For Internews photo trainer Dolphine Emali, Photo Camp is a great opportunity for young Kenyan journalists who are passionate about health journalism to expand their storytelling skills to visual storytelling. We look forward to a great body of work that will act as part of the archive of Kenya's history and response to HIV, said Emali.

Stories about stigma are powerfully told through photojournalism, and photojournalism has the potential to change attitudes, said Ida Jooste, Internews in Kenya's country director.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. has supplied cameras for the Photo Camp. National Geographic Photo Camp has provided programs for more than 1,000 young people in more than 60 locations since 2003. Additional 2014 Photo Camps include programs in Aravaca, Ariz., for youth impacted by issues of undocumented migration and border enforcement. Visit www.nationalgeographic.com/photocamp for more information.

About the National Geographic Society

Founded in 1888, the National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. With a mission to inspire people to care about the planet, the member-supported Society offers a community for members to get closer to explorers, connect with other members and help make a difference. The Society reaches more than 500 million people worldwide each month through National Geographic and other magazines, National Geographic Channel, television documentaries, films, books, DVDs, radio, maps, exhibitions, live events, school publishing programs, interactive media and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

About Internews

Internews is an international nonprofit media development organization whose mission is to empower local media worldwide to give people the news and information they need, the ability to connect and the means to make their voices heard. Formed in 1982, Internews has worked in more than 90 countries and currently has offices in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and North America. www.internews.org @internews

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