Many orphans, to survive they need to find a skill, or trade. Rwandans are polite, kind and generous people, living in poverty they smile and make you smile too. This is one of the magics of Rwanda. Their laughter and kindness is something you want to embrace and hold in your heart forever.
Adrian at Imbabazi Orphanage
Adrian at Imbabazi Orphanage
GadiAdrian & Gadi love to play music and sing, especially Bob Marley.
In 2000 David Jiranek photographer from New York City, began the rwandaproject.org "Through the eyes of Children". The orphans of Imbabazi photographing their world. The images were exhibited at the US Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda in 2001. Then went to the United Nations in New York City for an exhibition also in 2001. In the 2001 Camera Arts Magazine Photo Contest, 8 year old Jacqueline won "First Prize - Portraiture" It was Gadi titled "Gadi". The project has won Honorable Mention in an international competition featuring professional and non-professional photographers from around the world. Their images are amazing, being a photographer myself, I have alot of respect for these talented and brave kids.
In David's own words: "On one hand, I want the kids to see that they have something to communicate and share with people from around the world that is meaningful. Remember, these are kids who thought nobody cared about them outside their world of the orphanage. The other side of the coin is, I want people around the world to see these kids less as victims, which they of course are, but more as a possibility. When you get a hug and smile from Frederic (a boy who lost both his arms) and think about the horror he has experienced, you know that by giving yourself to his spirit, even for a moment, the world can be just a little bit better for it."
David died August 2003 in an accident. He will always be remembered by the children of Imbabazi.
In 2000 David Jiranek photographer from New York City, began the rwandaproject.org "Through the eyes of Children". The orphans of Imbabazi photographing their world. The images were exhibited at the US Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda in 2001. Then went to the United Nations in New York City for an exhibition also in 2001. In the 2001 Camera Arts Magazine Photo Contest, 8 year old Jacqueline won "First Prize - Portraiture" It was Gadi titled "Gadi". The project has won Honorable Mention in an international competition featuring professional and non-professional photographers from around the world. Their images are amazing, being a photographer myself, I have alot of respect for these talented and brave kids.
In David's own words: "On one hand, I want the kids to see that they have something to communicate and share with people from around the world that is meaningful. Remember, these are kids who thought nobody cared about them outside their world of the orphanage. The other side of the coin is, I want people around the world to see these kids less as victims, which they of course are, but more as a possibility. When you get a hug and smile from Frederic (a boy who lost both his arms) and think about the horror he has experienced, you know that by giving yourself to his spirit, even for a moment, the world can be just a little bit better for it."
David died August 2003 in an accident. He will always be remembered by the children of Imbabazi.
Home of Rosemond Halsey Carr 1912 - 2006Founder of Imbabazi Orphanage in Gisenyi
on her tombstone is written:
Humanitarian and friend.
Rwanda was her home for 57 years.
It's beauty was her inspiration.
It's struggles were her struggles.
It's people were her strength.
It's children were her greatest joy
Rose's garden of lavender and may other fragrances fill the air.My thoughts are focused on the truth. Our days are numbered, and time runs out. Whether we succeed or fail in our professional or family lives, our time runs out. Keeping my eyes on the truth of time and not succumb to the illusion, comforting though it may be, that our days will go on and on.
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