HISTORY / STORY

The story of Project FOCUS began in the summer of 2006 when four students traveled to Uganda and were confronted with a country of beautiful complexity. Under the layers of stereotypes and broad generalizations, lay a reality rarely seen by the Western eye: hope and resiliency in the face of war, poverty and disease; rich cultural heritage and vibrant colors amidst congested traffic, packaged imports and cell phones. They experienced Ugandans as cheerful, open and resourceful, and wanted to share this experience with others.

As Project FOCUS, we developed a photography project working with youth from the slums of Uganda's capital city, Kampala. Using donated cameras, youth were asked to take pictures of their everyday lives. The result was over 1000 thought-provoking images and a photography exhibit hosted both in Chicago and Kampala. Through selling prints of these images, funds were raised for an after-school program serving these youth, and a cross-cultural dialogue began that continues today. What started with four idealists has grown into a group of twelve members from diverse backgrounds, as well as a network of advisors and friends both in the U.S. and Uganda.

Throughout the second half of 2007, Project FOCUS returned to Uganda, working in the town and district of Lyantonde, a region heavily affected by HIV/AIDS and poverty. After spending time orienting themselves to the community, Project FOCUS conducted a comprehensive community assessment followed by four arts-based projects focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness through story-telling and the use of creative media.

Project FOCUS is preparing to a send a long-term volunteer back to Uganda for one year. This volunteer will continue to work with the community of Lyantonde to develop sustainable initiatives, coordinate short-term volunteers and advocate for other arts-based ventures in Uganda.

Exhibitions of the work done in Uganda are being planned for early 2009 and will be hosted by galleries in Chicago, Boston and Seattle. Funds raised through these exhibitions will go towards supporting sustainable development projects proposed by the communities in which we work. Project FOCUS is currently looking for committed volunteers, financial support and gallery spaces to develop our exhibitions.

If you'd like to help, please contact us at info@projectfocus.org.