7th – 16th December 2009

National Geographic and International Medical Corps are proud to present an exhibition of photographs taken by Iraqi and Palestinian children living in Jordan at the prestigious Host Gallery in London, from December 7th-16th 2009.

In the summer of 2009 a group of young Iraqis and Palestinians who had fled to the safety of Jordan, as well as local Jordanian youth whose lives have been affected by the influx of new arrivals into their country, were given the opportunity to document their lives and experiences with internationally acclaimed photographers Reza and Ed Kashi as part of the renowned National Geographic Photo Camp project. The Photo Camp was run in partnership with International Medical Corps, through a grant from Australian Aid.

More than sixty teenagers aged 12-19 took part, creating stories of their experiences of displacement, resettlement and other life disruptions using photographs and writing exercises under the guidance of the Photo Camp staff. There are around one million Palestinians and hundreds of thousands of Iraqis living in Jordan. The strain of this population influx is profound and the children who took part in Photo Camp have all witnessed violence and many have lost one or both parents.

Reza and Kashi, along with Jordanian photographers Nasser Majali and Mohammad Hannon, taught the students how to describe their personal world and create self-portraits by exploring the world through the lens of a camera. Individual sessions with International Medical Corps mental health staff allowed the children to unlock painful experiences and help address their emotional needs. By using photography as a catalyst for discussion, the Photo Camp encouraged self-expression and awareness among the participants, all of whom have felt the strain of the displacement on their communities.

“Photo Camp can give these young people, who have been uprooted or experienced turmoil, strain and hardship, the voice and the opportunity to explore the current state of their lives,” said Terry Garcia, National Geographic’s executive vice president, Mission Programs. “We are honoured to be part of this endeavour.”

“International Medical Corps is delighted to partner with National Geographic once again,” said Peter Medway, Director of International Medical Corps UK. “As an organisation with years of experience implementing art therapy programmes to help in the long-term recovery of conflict-affected populations, we recognize that Photo Camp Jordan is a tremendous opportunity for the children and for the world to see their stories.”

This is the second collaboration between National Geographic and International Medical Corps. In November 2006 they implemented Photo Camp Uganda for child refugees from Rwanda, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with subsequent exhibits of their photographs in cities around the world, including London, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Atlanta.

***
NOTES

International Medical Corps is a global humanitarian organisation saving and rebuilding lives through health care, training and community development. By offering training and healthcare to local populations and medical assistance to people at the highest risk International Medical Corps rehabilitates devastated health care systems and brings them back to self-reliance.

International Medical Corps is one of the few international aid agencies working both inside Iraq as well as in the countries coping with large numbers of Iraqi refugees: Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. To increase the health care support for refugees and vulnerable Jordanians, International Medical Corps is implementing activities that build and enhance primary health care, mental health care and psychosocial support, and maternal and child care.

For more information on International Medical Corps, visit www.imcworldwide.org.uk

Reza, one of the best-known photojournalists in the world, has been documenting global strife and conflict since the 1970s as a contributor to Time, Newsweek and National Geographic magazines. His photography has earned him multiple illustrious international awards, including the Hope Award and public service and humanitarian awards in France and Spain.

Ed Kashi, a freelance photographer since 1979, travels the world capturing images of ordinary life in extraordinary communities. A photojournalist, filmmaker and educator, he has been internationally recognized for his work on the social and political issues that define our times. He has produced 17 stories for National Geographic, most recently “Forgotten Faithful: Arab Christians” in June 2009.

National Geographic Photo Camp has provided programs for more than 850 young people in over 40 locations since 2003. In 2009, Photo Camps were also held in Botswana; Olympic National Park, Seattle; Pine Ridge Native American Reservation, S.D.; and national marine sanctuaries in Florida and California. Visit www.nationalgeographic.com/photocamp for more information.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest non-profit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

Australian Aid is an agency dedicated to assisting developing countries in reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development since 1974. For more information on Australian Aid, visit ausaid.gov.au.