I'm photographing for a nonprofit in Africa!

Hello friends, family, & wonderful internet folks,

I'm planning a trip to Ghana in February for 3 weeks with the non-profit Women in Progress.  I know my photojournalism skills will greatly benefit their incredible cause, and this will be an ideal addition to my portfolio so I can get more humanitarian work.  Win, win!


So what is Women in Progress?

In short, Women in Progress helps women set up sustainable small businesses in Ghana. 

Here's the more elaborate version from their website:
Women in Progress works to achieve economic independence of women and alleviate poverty at a grassroots level in developing nations through the sustainable growth of small women-owned businesses and at the same time establishes mutual understanding among people of diverse cultures.

Our philosophy is that the best way to improve the standard of living for those living in poverty is by assisting in the development and expansion of women-owned businesses in order to generate new jobs and increase income levels of women.

Women in Progress programs support the development of micro and small woman-owned enterprises through workforce training, new technology, and in-depth projects that focus on improving internal efficiencies, competing more effectively in existing markets, gaining access to new markets, and engaging in international trade.

Sounds awesome, right?  I know.  It is.  Check out womeninprogress.org to learn more.


Why am I going?

If you know me, you know I'm a photojournalist.  That's exactly what I'm going there to do - to visually tell the stories of these women, to photograph them in their homes & shops, and to take product photography for their online components.  I'm also excited to be shooting video of these women as well, implementing a multimedia narrative that this organization is currently lacking.

I also plan to keep a blog while I'm there, and keep everyone in the states updated on all the amazing things I see & do.


Where does the money go?

Roundtrip Airfare - ~$1800
Volunteer fee to cover housing, transportation, etc (3 weeks) - ~$1145
Cost of Yellow Fever Vaccination - ~$100
Cost of Anti-malaria Drug - ~$21
Cost to Process Ghana Visa - ~$60

Okay, so you can see that this already adds up to more than $3k. 

This doesn't include food, or paying my bills back home in New York.. I'm working extra & saving to cover as much as I can. 

I realize that financially times are tough for most of us, but if you can give anything, I'd definitely appreciate it! :) 


Thank for your help!

Love,
Sarah