Changing worlds with photography.

Supporters like you have helped photographers fundraise 100% of project-related costs since 2014!

Art and Abolition - Kenya - Joey Paynter - Photographer

A *NOTE* FROM Joey Paynter (PWB Photographer):

I am beyond thrilled to announce that I have been selected for a  Photographers Without Borders assignment and will be partnering with the Art and Abolition Movement in Nairobi, Kenya this fall. 

Many of you know my soul's heartbeat is to be a voice for the voiceless, so when I heard what this organization was doing I could feel my heart pulsating with aliveness at the very thought of once again using photography to help free the oppressed through stories that so often go untold.

Art and abolition targets girls under the age of 15 who due to poverty, and/or threats of violence from their caregivers, are being forced to sell their bodies for everyday needs such as food, clean water, and school fees. While my body shudders to think of all that these girls must have endured, I am also deeply moved and inspired by the Art and Abolition's mission to restore justice through offering art therapy, education, economic empowerment and foster care to young girls in Kenya who were once forced into sex slavery.  

A FEW FACTS ABOUT ART AND ABOLITION:

The youngest girl at their center is 8 years old.

They have recruited 10 new girls into the program this year.

They provide transitional housing for 13 family members as they move towards economic stability.

They currently provide full time education for 15 girls.

$20 is what it costs to cover rent for an entire family for one month.

There are 27 million enslaved people worldwide.

***If you would like to learn more please check out this video.***

WHAT'S MY ROLE?

Photographers Without Borders matches small charities and NGOs worldwide with visual storytellers who use their lens to highlight a cause and bring it into greater focus. This fall, I'll be offering my services to Art and Abolition completely free of charge. 

Each year this organization holds 3 art therapy camps run by registered creative art therapists who use art to lead the girls further into their own healing processes. I will be documenting the girls in a two-week arts and empowerment sleep-away camp for children who live in the surrounding slums and villages of Nairobi, Kenya. The main focus of the camp is on art and empowerment.

The arts are used as a powerful weapon to help combat child prostitution and sex slavery and to empower a greater sense of self.  

Please watch this video to learn more.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Hi! :) I’m Joey Paynter, an independent freelance photographer, teacher, astrologer, dreamer, healer, storyteller, and world traveler, who has placed some roots down in Los Angeles, California. I have a extensive background in psychological studies (Masters in Clinical Psychology and Depth Psychology) and a passion for empowering the human soul. I've been lucky enough to travel to over 40 countries as a counselor, healer, lecturer, and photojournalist where I've offered therapy to refugees, orphans, prostitutes, victims of trauma, and run support groups for those that have been affected with HIV/AIDS.  

My photography has been displayed in galleries in Oregon, stores in South Carolina, and several art shows in California. I’ve also had my photography published in the book A Voice for Life, that tells the story of Hakani, who not only survived being buried alive, but also celebrates the beauty of all life. I lived in Australia for four years and it was here that I discovered my photojournalistic style and realized the depth and power of sharing one’s story through a photographic image. I am beyond honored for this special opportunity to tell the story of these young girls who are now a part of art and abolition. 

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

This is not a project that I want or need to do alone. In fact, I need each of you to partner with me.  If you are unable to give financially at this time, please don't let that stop you from being a part of this experience with me because there are still several other ways in which you can get involved. 

1. Click on the GIVE NOW button on the top of my page. Your donations cover my travel to Kenya to capture and document the girls healing experience in the art therapy workshops through the art and abolition movement. These funds cover my airfare, transportation, travel insurance, program fees and visa. Please note that all donations are tax-deductible and that any surplus funding will be split equally between photographers without borders and the art and abolition movement. 

2. If you can't give financially at this time, would you consider clicking the share button on the top of this page in order to spread the word to others. 

3. Buy one of the bracelets the girls have made through Project 27

4. Meditate, Pray, send good energy, write encouraging letters to art and abolition, send me emails, request updates, and research about child slavery. 

5. Follow Art and Abolition on Facebook and Twitter

6. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates

7. Follow photographers without borders on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

I truly appreciate your support in whatever form it may come. May you be abundantly blessed in your own life and connect even deeper to your soul's purpose. 

Much love, 

Joey Paynter

www.joeypaynterphotography.com

*** The below is a message from PWB***

Every year, our photographers and videographers donate hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of their time to document the work of grassroots initiatives that are making a real change in this world where it is most needed. By capturing, honouring and witnessing humanity at its best, we are not only inspiring many, but we are forging new narratives of what is and what is possible. 

You can help by supporting our photographers and videographers (See the side bar to the right to see fundraisers for our most recent recruits).

Each of our official photographers/videographers is assigned a GroupRev fundraising page by PWB upon acceptance. These pages are a privilege we offer that are intended to make our programs accessible to all and enable our volunteer photographers/videographers to raise their program fees and subsidize or cover these necessary project-related expenses:

• Airfare
• Visa's
• Vaccinations
• Health Insurance
• Travel Insurance

The following expenses are the sole responsibility of the photographer/videographer:

• Privately arranged travel / Equipment & Equipment Insurance / Software / Extra Baggage Fees / Donation perks / Clothing / Postage/Postcard / Prints / Etc.

Photographers Without Borders® (PWB) envisions a world where we all put ourselves in each others' shoes and work together. Our mission is to inform and inspire positive change by visually communicating the ways that grassroots initiatives are addressing problems in their communities. PWB is registered as a charity in the United States with 501(c)(3) status and is registered as a not-for-profit organization in Canada. All donations are calculated in US Dollars and are tax-deductible for Americans and Canadians with US income.

PWB is not responsible for any donations made outside of these pages.

Any overage amounts raised on GroupRev will be donated with the photographers direction, 100% to the Organization, 100% to PWB or split 50/50, between the photographer's/videographer's assigned cause and PWB, which is also a volunteer-run organization.

PLEASE DONATE GENEROUSLY !

Learn more about PWB.

All donations are calculated in US Dollars and are tax-deductible for Americans and Canadians with US income.