The Birth of the Opuk Jakinda Cooperative

In the last year, Kisumu has undergone a social transformation over as it grappled with the effects of a bitterly contested presidential election that resulted in extreme cases of violence. Unfortunately, the women and children bore the brunt of the violence. Given that the society is patriarchal in nature, many women were victims of sexual violence, others lost property, while still others lost their breadwinners in the violence and since have been exposed to increased poverty and ill health. At this time of economic recession, the country is unable to adequately provide its people with basic needs and food prices continue to skyrocket. This has lead to cases of increased incidences of HIV/AIDS and food insecurity as women are forced to use various means to make ends meet.

Following the trauma, fear, and injustice of the December 2007 elections and their aftermath and given the economic challenges facing the community, Voices and its partners have facilitated trainings and networking for groups comprised of primarily women in the Kisumu area in an effort to develop viable and sustainable income generating projects to assist them in providing livelihood for both their families and orphans in the community. Through these trainings, the Opuk Jakinda Cooperative was born.

Opuk Jakinda means hardworking tortoise in the Luo language. Opuk Jakinda Cooperative makes marketable products such as jewelry, paper products, and woven mats from recycled materials and the water hyacinth plant, a plant that spreads over Lake Victoria at an alarming rate and is linked to increases in vector borne diseases, reduced supply of clean potable water, blocking irrigation canals, and a decrease in biodiversity. Voices is working to connect this cooperative and others with partners in the U.S. to earn them a fair wage.

A First Step Into Fair Trade

Okok Widows Group is working with voices to begin distribution of fair trade avocado oil and other products to American company Anti-Body.

Youth participate in the production of Pengle Entertainment's newest movie!

Pengle Entertainment hired youth trained by voices and Abila Creative Center to work on its latest production PENGLE 5, the fifth episode in the popular Luo language comedy series.

Open auditions were held at Abila Creative Center to find fresh new comedic talent for the production.

Abila Youth Club member Agwata was chosen to co-star in PENGLE 5.

At Abila Creative Center children look on as PENGLE 5 director and star Geoffrey Omondi preps the cast for the first day of shooting.

Cameraman and Abila staff member Victor Ombonya films a scene providing social commentary on the traditional Luo practice of wife inheritance.

Upper Hill Youth Group member Nick, trained by Abila Creative Center in video, works the camera as cast member and Abila staff member Allan Juma and community members watch Geoffrey Omondi's performance in a storyline about married life.

The director oversees as the crew sets up for a shot in the storyline about language barriers and communication.

Cast members take a break between takes while filming at Abila Creative Center.

To purchase Pengle Entertainment's Pengle and Kipara Ngoto films please contact pengleentertainment@gmail.com.

Screenwriting Trainings - 12 to 16 June, 2007

Screenwriter Dennis Feldman traveled from Los Angeles, CA to Kisumu, Kenya to lead concurrent 5-day screenwriting trainings, one at Tuungane Youth Center and the other at Abila Creative Center.


The class views a movie


Dennis teaches screenplay format


Dennis and Collins illustrate story development


Judy and CJ work on their screenplays


Gloria and Joshua read an original scene

VOICES trainings continue

The Upper Hill Youth Group works with the digital camera


Aspiring cinematographer Nick from Upper Hill works with the video camera


Elvis leads the Upper Hill Youth Group as they develop the main character of their screenplay focused on promoting professional treatment of STIs


Emmanuel of Victory Post Test Group shoots their film entitled OPTION IN LIFE


Victory Post Test Group's Andrew films as Esnas tells her story


The ladies of Sophisticut using the video camera


Victor oversees as the ladies of Sophisticut view their footage

photo la

Thanks to our supporters new and old, Voices was a big success at photo la! An especially big thanks to Stephen Cohen and Artfairs, Inc. for giving us this invaluable opportunity and to Pro One for the printing and Finishing Concepts for the mounting.

Here are some of the responses:

"These images are amazing. I am currently attending Brooks Institute of Photography and it has always been my dream to visit Africa. These images bring an awesome realism to my eyes! Great work."

"Thanks so much for sharing your lives with us. The exhibit was an extremely eye opening experience. Thank you."

"I really enjoyed the work. It has a great message that everyone needs to hear. Let me know of future things."

"This is important work to see your community from a perspective that is from within rather than from an observer who is disconnected. These images and messages are invaluable."

"Good for all of you - God Bless!"

"Your pictures make my heart feel big!"

"this project is so fascinating. thank you for sharing your world with us. please continue to document and share your community."

"Keep creating...And keep singing your songs...Let your voices be heard far and wide."

"Thank you for sharing your world with us. You are beautiful and brave and your story must be heard."

"Keep telling your stories and sharing your pictures. We are listening."

"Very inspirational + beautiful!"

"This is important work. It shows a part of the world we seldom see. Voices brings a voice to the youth of Kenya. I admire all of you."

"I really enjoyed your photos. Thank you for the chance to have an insight into your life, which is so different from mine."

"To the inspiring youth of the world. Thank you for sharing what you see. I appreciate the gift."

"Beautiful. Thank you very much."

"I really enjoyed seeing the beautiful photos of life and realize how important it will be to document it for more people to see. Thank you."

"The combination of teaching + allowing their students to learn from their own picture taking is amazing. Maybe their students will be inspired to become photographers themselves."

"I have had the great opportunity to have studied the art of photography since I was 12 years old and love that you are all embracing the art form so well. Continue taking wonderful pictures such as these, they are truly amazing."

"Thank you for sharing your photos with me. I am really touched by everything I see here. I love everyone in this world so this makes me really happy to see more expression and love everywhere."


Alexis hard at work in front of the youths' photographs and words on one side of our 20 foot booth.


Alexis' photographs of the process on the other side of our booth.


Our beautiful banner, which thanks our gracious sponsors Pro One and Finishing Concepts.

VOICES at photo la - Jan. 18-21

Voices is an exhibition of photography and video depicting issues facing the youth of Kisumu, Kenya through their eyes. In a country notorious for corruption, in an area where HIV/AIDS, prostitution, rape, alcohol and substance abuse, discrimination, crime, poverty, and unemployment are among the first and most commonly mentioned issues by young people in community centers and schools, young people are forced to make life and death decisions on a daily basis. Using donated video and still camera equipment, these young people were given the opportunity to use creative expression through media to voice their thoughts, feelings, ideas, and experiences.

Voices will exhibit at photo la
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
1855 Main street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Preview reception benefit
Preview tickets - $100
All proceeds go to the
Elton John AIDS Foundation
Thursday, January 18th, 2007 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Public Hours
One-day pass - $20
Three-day pass - $30
Friday, January 19, 2007 noon to 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 20, 2007 noon to 7 p.m.
Sunday, January 21, 2007 noon to 6 p.m.

http://www.artfairsinc.com/photola/2007/

December at Abila Creative Center

Even in the rain the kids of Mamboleo are enthusiastic.


By the end of 2006 Abila had a fully-functioning cyber cafe.


Youth were still dropping by frequently to use the cyber cafe and continue work on their projects.


Zack got to see pictures of his photos on display in New York City.


Abila staff like Allan Juma are still hard at work.


Abila staff member Steve's welcoming face at the informative entrance to Abila.

VOICES at photo ny 2006

Here are some photographs taken at photo ny and the comments that people left for the youth about their work.



"This is a wonderful project ­ Thank you for bringing it here."
"Wonderful project, agree."


Alexis' photos on one of the center walls

"I just loved your work."
"Great work, the prints look great & I hope you get lots of donations to have even more next time."
"Beautiful"


Alexis' and Sara's pictures on one of the center walls

"Really interesting."
"The project & show were very impressive. Mainly to see that life wants to be seen & survive no matter how hard it may be."


Left: Photo and words by Fred Okumuh with additional words by Collince Ochieng
Right: Photo and words by Zack Williams Okoth

"Your work is amazing, beautiful, mesmerizing; from the joy through the pain. The hearts from all around the globe always hear the song of love and acceptance, but sometimes we need to learn how to hear and see! With my love and gratitude!"


Alexis' photos on one of the center walls

"Congratulations on your artwork. Your photographs touched us and hopefully more can be done to increase our awareness. I hope to see more of your work in the future. Great pics!"
"I'm so happy to see this project­ what you are doing has great value­ don't give up."


Photo and words by Zack Williams Okoth

"Thank you for taking the time to take these photos and comments so we can be exposed to people's lives in your city. The photos are beautiful and comments are incredibly insightful. Congratulations!"


Photo by Emmanuel Sopiyo with words by Raphael Ogello

"Your photos and words brought up so many emotions for me. Your work is VERY powerful and moving. Thank you for your openness and honesty. Never stop doing this work and thinking about these issues. YOUR voice is what will change the world! Thank you for INSPIRING ME to DO and be better."


Left: Photo and words by Zack Williams Okoth
Right: Photo and words by Ken Shadrack Obuya

"This is one of the best booths in here."
"Thank you for sharing your lives and understandings with us. You are beautiful."


Left: Photo by Matabel with words by Ibrahim Mukwaya
Right: Photo by Bernard Nyadida with words by Collince Ochieng

"I absolutely loved the exhibit! You both did such an impressive job! The photos are beautiful!"
"Excellent exhibit! Keep up the good work!"


Left: Photo and words by Fred Okongo
Right: Photo and words by Victor Ombonya

"This is an amazing body of images. Please keep photographing! The world should know."
"Very excited about your project. Looking forward to hearing your stories and learning from you."


Left: Photo by Janet Adhiambo with words by Emmanuel Omondi and Paul Bogi
Right: Photo and words by William Ochieng

"It takes powerful photos like this to inspire change. This exhibit is excellent. Keep up the good work."
"Very beautiful and powerful photos. Excellent way to share the lives and stories of extraordinary children."


Photo and words by Jamal Juma

"This is great photography, and the fact that there is so much meaning presented within these images is very moving."
"Beautiful work­ amazing images and words."



"Beautiful photos.­ Courage!"



"Excellent project. When you get your website done, we will post info about you at the New Eyes Project, K12photoed.org. Keep up the great work."

Exhibition at Abila Creative Center in Kisumu

On August 12, 2006 the entire town of Kisumu was invited to Abila Creative Center to view the video and photography projects made by the youth of Kisumu depicting the issues they face as seen through their own eyes. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together to converse and celebrate.


Community members view the youths' photographs and words


The dance troupe from St. Anne's Academy performs


We had quite a turnout




The youths' videos get an audience


Mary Ojiayo photographs as community members look on




The kids in the room with their artwork