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Project FOCUS
The story of Project FOCUS began in the summer of 2006 when four students traveled to Uganda and were drawn to a country of beautiful complexity. Beyond the layers of stereotypes and broad generalizations they saw hope and resiliency, and a rich cultural heritage that they desired to understand on a deeper level.
During their first trip they developed a photography project working with youth from the Mulago Slum of Uganda's capital city, Kampala. Using donated cameras, youth captured pictures of their everyday lives. The result was over 1000 thought-provoking images that offered a rarely seen view of life in a large urban slum of Kampala. A portion of these photographs were exhibited in both Chicago and Mulago providing a unique backdrop for discussion concerning current social issues that exist in Kampala. By selling prints of these images, funds were raised for the after-school program that the photographers attended. Based on the response of the audience, it became clear to Project FoCUS that art is an effective way to educate, inspire, and empower both audiences and participants.
What started with four visionaries quickly grew into a group of twelve dedicated and talented volunteers from diverse backgrounds, as well as a network of advisors and friends both in the U.S. and Uganda who provided continuous support and feedback. Throughout the second half of 2007, a highly motivated team of Project FOCUS members returned to Uganda to work in the district of Lyantonde, a rural region heavily affected by HIV/AIDS and poverty. The team, which included artist and art therapists, implemented four arts-based projects focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness through story-telling and the use of creative media. This was seen as a way to address the presence of HIV/AIDS in a community while celebrating the strengths and resiliency of its members. The projects resulted in a multi-media art exhibit featuring hand sewn quits, clothing, photography, and audio used to educate and inspire audiences as it travels.
In the fall of 2008, Project FOCUS sent a long-term volunteer, Grant Buhr, back to Uganda for one year. Grant is currently working closely with the Lyantonde community to organize and implement sustainable development projects. The first project, an internet café, will be implemented in collaboration with two of Project FOCUS’ official partners, Prince Primary School and a local community-based organization, ICOD (Integrated Efforts for Community Development). Technical assistance will be provided by Inveneo an international expert in setting up information and communication technologies in rural communities. In addition to bringing communication abilities to a community that does not currently have internet access, the Internet Café will serve as an income generating activity for Prince Primary School to assist with teacher salaries and programming at the school.
As a young organization driven by the passion of its volunteer members, Project FOUCS has survived on the generosity of others through their grassroots fundraising efforts, as well as those who have dedicated their time and expertise as they've grown. As their financial goals become greater, they are continuously seeking the support of others in their efforts to bring sustainable change to Lyantonde, Uganda, a community whose challenges, strengths, and spirit drew them in 3 years ago and has captivated them ever since.
For more information or to support this project, you can visit ProjectFocus