Last night we had the opportunity to bring together some of EPIC’s friends and supporters for a reception kicking off the last 48 hours of fundraising for PHOTOVOICE IRAQ:Picturing Change. The event brought together educators, scholars, advocates, and practitioners to support EPIC’s mission.

 

The same sentiments were repeated throughout the night: student-centered projects like this are what the youth of Iraq need now, small-scale development can have the greatest impact, and that photovoice has the power to teach a range of much-needed skills. Over twenty passionate support were in attendance at this intimate spontaneous reception to rally support for PHOTOVOICE IRAQ:Picturing Change. People at the event were excited and engaged about the project, and conversation went late into the night.

 

 

 

Some highlights from the evening:

Kristien Zenkov, professor of literacy education and a member of EPIC’s board of advisors, touched on the power of photovoice. “The answer is in the asking”, he explained in reference to what can be learned through students’ photographs.

Phebe Marr, a prominent modern Iraq historian, touched on the importance of investing in Iraq’s current youth because of the lose of past generations due to war and conflict.

Michael Albin, former chief of Anglo-American acquisitions at the Library of Congress and Iraq expert, was also in attendance to show his support for the project.

You can view more photos from the event here.

It is impossible to underscore the importance of donating to PHOTOVOICE IRAQ: Picturing Change today.  We have less than 48 hours to meet our fundraising goal, and we only receive the funds if our goal is met by Friday evening.  For those of you who have already donated, we cannot thank you enough.  Show your continued support for the project by passing on the link to friends and families. We need you to make PHOTOVOICE IRAQ: Picturing Change a reality!