This week, EPHAS (Every Person Has A Story) has been working in Haiti with the American Refugee Committee, teaching young people how to document their own lives through photography - instead of taking the pictures themselves and submitting their own naive perspective. They are teaching two three-day workshops in the city of Port-au-Prince and then two more in Fonds Parisiens. Students having this new skill will be able to show an honest depiction of the positive changes occurring in Haiti. This does not blanket the struggles, but paints a more complete picture for the world to see.

The Fifteen-Word Exercise™ was designed to create a meaningful frame of reference through which people from different cultures can effectively communicate with one another. The words are important emotions and life concepts, both positive and negative. Participants worldwide take photographs of people and objects that represent each word for them.

Pain • Family • Compassion • Joy • Frustration • Nourishment • Innocence • Funny • Beauty • Fear • Home • Hope • Waste • Loss • Education

I'd like to share with you some photos from this week in Haiti!

FEAR

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Fear by Pierre Jeffte.

EDUCATION

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A well captured "Education" photo by Calixte Devenol.

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Education by Calixte Devenol. Very nicely framed!

WASTE

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‎"Lucky Number Seven" by Corlens Alphonse part of her 15-Word Exercise for "Waste"

HOPE

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Hope by Mackenson Felix. In such an uncertain time in his life, Mackenson felt that any reconstruction happening on the enormous ARC premesis occupied by over 25,000 people was a glimmer of hope for more change to come

A few exercises:

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(From Day One) Castin Lovensky's favorite shot that he took over the three days. This was when he and Lovely Felix (whose work is shown a few posts below) were looking for bright or contrasting color.

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This photo came from Pierre Jeffte's "A day in the life of." Dimia, the photographer, was excited that the shot included a reflection, something we focused on yesterday, even though she was only trying to capture Pierre's daily activities.

{{gwi:150734}}Taken during our "Patterns and texture" assignment by an 8-year-old named Lovely Felix.

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A slightly more beautiful take on an outhouse by Casimir Adbertha.

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Perspective and seeking out fantastic colors seem to be this groups strong suit. This first group is made up of participants who are 8-12 years old. This photograph was taken by Pierre Jeffte.