| Travelling to one of the world’s most troubled and impoverished regions opened Patricia Conteh’s eyes to the often frustrating red tape associated with NGO’s (Non-governmental organizations associated with the United Nations) working in Africa and the stark reality of life in Sierra Leone. Her initial four-month stay began with a series of cancelled projects, ultimately leading to fresh ideas on how to assist and empower local residents.
Lending local youth her digital cameras, Conteh was able to gain an insider’s perspective of the complex day-to-day lives in the community.
By displaying the photographs on her laptop and giving instant visual access to the young people she was able to foster a sense of accomplishment, something she says is key to the success of any project in the region. She notes the main reason many campaigns fail is a lack of true cultural understanding, despite the best intentions. In addition, the lack of infrastructure and electricity makes running computers a costly venture. She says battery powered equipment is more cost effective and practical.
Working with the Peace Centre, the first of its kind in West Africa, she hopes to build an effective bridge of communication between residents of the area and the outside world.
"I’m trying to keep things simple," she says. "I want to keep this as grassroots as possible and help out by providing whatever resources I have."
Conteh is hoping to raise funds to help offset the cost of cameras and computer equipment.
Jean-Pierre Morin will be emceeing with Emil Starlight along with performances by Lullaby Baxter, Ibo, Michelle Thrush and Stacy DaSilva.
Two short animated films will also be screened along with a display of Conteh’s Sierra Leone photo project.
The Artists in Africa fundraiser will take place on Friday, January 26 at the Marquee room upstairs at the Uptown Screen. |
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