How donated cameras are giving vulnerable youth around the globe a vision for change

A child’s creativity is crucial to their growth and development. But for marginalised and at-risk youth, this natural sense of wonder is warped by fear, pain, and the need to survive. To empower these kids to express themselves, Lydia Billings puts a camera in their hands. “We teach youth who have been through challenging experiences how to process and share their own stories,” she says. 

Billings is the Director of Programs at 100cameras, a non-profit organisation that distributes cameras to children between 10 and 18 years old across the globe. From a refugee camp in Iraq to low-income neighbourhoods in New York City, kids are equipped to represent themselves and the world around them. With an outlet for their voices, the images the children produce defy negative labels attached to their communities and reframe their lived experiences. “I’m in awe of the pure, uncensored perspectives that they bring,” Billings says.

Children involved in this initiative become agents of change. The organisation provides a platform for the kids to sell their images, with 100% of the proceeds funnelled back into their communities. “They get to see the real impact of their creativity,” Billings says. Youth are taking back control over the narrative of their lives. Looking through a new lens, they have a vision for transformation.

For more Beautiful News stories see below:

1. “It’s my moral duty.” The taekwondo coach knocking out stereotypes in India
2. An unbreakable bond with animals revealed our path in life
3. Is this heaven on earth? Discover angels dancing in the depths of the ocean
4. You can’t choose your family... unless you join the circus
5. Can robots combat loneliness? This innovator has the antidote to isolation

In the face of the COVID-19 crisis, you can help us spread information and hope. Share your positive stories by clicking here and we’ll be in contact.

Main image courtesy of Beautiful News