My name is Paula Malone Carty, and I am a professional photographer and photography educator based in Ireland.

For many years, I've had the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life through my work, capturing their stories and helping them see themselves with confidence. I've also spent many hours teaching photography to community groups, believing that creativity has the power to connect people and enrich lives.

What is the Bungoma Outreach Project?

Bungoma is a county in western Kenya, where local organisations are working tirelessly to improve opportunities for children, young mothers and families. The Bungoma Outreach Project partners with these communities, not to replace the incredible work already happening there, but to work alongside local people, listening, learning and providing practical support where it is most needed.

Our volunteer team will help with a number of community projects, including improving school facilities, supporting access to clean water and sanitation, repairing classrooms, and helping to create safe living spaces for young mothers and their children. The funds we raise will provide the essential tools, building materials and resources needed to complete these projects, leaving a lasting benefit for the community long after we have returned home.

For me, this is about being part of something bigger than myself—working alongside others with respect, compassion and a willingness to serve, while supporting projects that will continue to make a difference for years to come.

When I read about the opportunity to volunteer in Bungoma, something resonated with me. Throughout my life and career, I've always believed in the importance of community, kindness and using whatever skills we have to help others. I knew this was something I wanted to be part of.

Recently, I was honoured to be selected as a volunteer for the Bungoma Outreach Project in Kenya, where I will travel in February 2027 as part of a team supporting local communities.

The project works alongside people in Bungoma through practical initiatives, offering support where it is needed most. It is an opportunity to give my time, energy and skills while learning from a community whose resilience and generosity are truly inspiring.

To take part, each volunteer is asked to raise €5,000. A portion of these funds covers the essential costs of my participation, including travel & accomodation. The larger part of the fundraising goes directly towards the Bungoma Outreach Project helping to provide the materials and resources needed to carry out the work on the ground.

These funds enable the team to support a range of practical community projects, ensuring that volunteers arrive not only willing to help, but with the resources needed to make a meaningful difference.

The organisation asks every volunteer to fund their own place so that the project itself is not financially burdened. I've been self fundraising through my photography by holding print sales but I still have some way to go to reach my target.

If you feel you can help, no matter how big or small the contribution, I would be deeply grateful. Every donation brings me one step closer to making this journey possible.

If you're unable to donate, sharing my campaign with family, friends or colleagues would mean just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering supporting me. This journey gives me the opportunity to put those same values into practice in a different way: to listen, to learn, to work alongside others and, in some small way, to help create lasting change. I promise to share my journey with honesty, respect and gratitude, and I look forward to bringing home not just photographs, but experiences and stories that I hope will inspire others.

With heartfelt thanks,

Paula