Photography exhibit to benefit women in East Africa
By: Sheryl Bacon
Issue date: 10/26/09 Section: News
Kendal Martel will be hosting a photography exhibit, Until the Last Seed Grows, benefiting a women's advocacy group in the Kibera Slums outside of Nairobi, Kenya, in East Africa. Photographs and stories from Martel's journey to Kenya will be on display for the public in the Fredonia Hotel from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today through Friday October 30.
P. L.: When did you visit Nairobi, Kenya?
Kendal: I went in March of 2009.
P.L.: What was the reason for your visit?
Kendal: To work in an economic development program in the Kibera Slums.
P.L.: What inspired you to host this exhibition?
Kendal: I have loved photography for some time now, but have become passionate about Africa within the last five years. I strongly believe that artistic and creative means of raising awareness, through mediums like photography, can tell the stories of these people and show how resilient and innovative they are. In addition, it educates our community about the rest of the world and how they live. That cultural exchange is what holds the substance, and the funds are what enable them to take care of themselves.
P.L.: What is the name of the East African program to which contributions will be made?
Kendal: The name of the group is the Haki Self Help Group. It was established in 2003 by a concerned group of citizens in the Kibera Slums that really wanted to help their community in a sustainable way. It's one of those things where, you can definitely teach a man to fish, but he will get nowhere if he doesn't have a pole and a line.
P.L.: How will donations be accepted at your exhibition?
Kendal: Donations will be accepted in cash or check form.
P.L.: What do you want people to know about conditions in Nairobi?
Kendal: Women control much of the informal small business sector. However, due to their lack of rights, they aren't allowed to own land or obtain a business loan to start up or expand a business. Because of this, many women are forced to turn to prostitution which runs rampant in Kibera. This in turn creates higher rates of HIV/AIDS and after the virus has handicapped the women, there is no one to take care of the children. The children then turn to violence or gangs, and the whole cycle begins again. What this program does is place funds into a pool where the women can loan to each other. With this program there has been a 99 percent repayment rate among the women. Financial independence allows them to feed their families and send their kids to school. The women really become empowered so that they can be leaders in their community and speak out against the oppression of women's rights that has contributed to the poverty in this area for so long.
P.L.: Where can interested parties get more information about this event?
Kendal: They can contact me at kendalmartel@gmail.com.
P. L.: When did you visit Nairobi, Kenya?
Kendal: I went in March of 2009.
P.L.: What was the reason for your visit?
Kendal: To work in an economic development program in the Kibera Slums.
P.L.: What inspired you to host this exhibition?
Kendal: I have loved photography for some time now, but have become passionate about Africa within the last five years. I strongly believe that artistic and creative means of raising awareness, through mediums like photography, can tell the stories of these people and show how resilient and innovative they are. In addition, it educates our community about the rest of the world and how they live. That cultural exchange is what holds the substance, and the funds are what enable them to take care of themselves.
P.L.: What is the name of the East African program to which contributions will be made?
Kendal: The name of the group is the Haki Self Help Group. It was established in 2003 by a concerned group of citizens in the Kibera Slums that really wanted to help their community in a sustainable way. It's one of those things where, you can definitely teach a man to fish, but he will get nowhere if he doesn't have a pole and a line.
P.L.: How will donations be accepted at your exhibition?
Kendal: Donations will be accepted in cash or check form.
P.L.: What do you want people to know about conditions in Nairobi?
Kendal: Women control much of the informal small business sector. However, due to their lack of rights, they aren't allowed to own land or obtain a business loan to start up or expand a business. Because of this, many women are forced to turn to prostitution which runs rampant in Kibera. This in turn creates higher rates of HIV/AIDS and after the virus has handicapped the women, there is no one to take care of the children. The children then turn to violence or gangs, and the whole cycle begins again. What this program does is place funds into a pool where the women can loan to each other. With this program there has been a 99 percent repayment rate among the women. Financial independence allows them to feed their families and send their kids to school. The women really become empowered so that they can be leaders in their community and speak out against the oppression of women's rights that has contributed to the poverty in this area for so long.
P.L.: Where can interested parties get more information about this event?
Kendal: They can contact me at kendalmartel@gmail.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Kim Seale
posted 10/26/09 @ 1:11 PM CST
What a tremendous opportunity for people to get some idea of the conditions in Kenya. Not only does Kendal have great photographic skills, I know that she has a heart for the people of Africa, so I'm sure that her exhibit will be full of very moving and touching photos. (Continued…)
Kelsey S.
posted 11/02/09 @ 7:28 PM CST
This was a GREAT exhibit! Kendal was very nice and such a talented photographer. I hope her exhibit went well.
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