Project Soar Marrakech 2016 :: The Portrait Project
One of my favorite things about the Marrakech Workshop are the days before my attendees arrive.One activity in particular is the thing I most look forward to... Sunday's Project Soar sports and art activity. Project Soar is Maryam Montague and Chris Redecke's (Owners of Peacock Pavilions) Girls Empowerment and Education Non-Profit.
It's so exciting to get to plan an art project for the girls. You may remember I wrote about Project Soar last year.Well this year with Sarah Dorio, my workshop Photo Instructor, in tow we created a portrait project for the girls. Sarah brought her Hassenblad fitted with a Polaroid back, which enabled her to take insta-pics of the girls. I, of course, had to bring some boas and crowns as wardrobe. What girl doesn't like a boa and a crown? The girls were so excited to have their portraits taken, they patiently waited in line for their turn. Once their Polaroid was developed, they went to work gluing it to a poster board and then embellishing their portrait. They all did a beautiful job and had a keepsake to proudly display at home.
I was very taken that last year when we came and took photos of the girls that they were shy, and it was hard to get most of them to smile. But this year, thanks to all the great activities and support of the Project Soar team, they all were much more confident and outgoing. It's extraordinary what support and self esteem building activities can do, especially for these young girls during their formative years. Project Soar is doing so much for young women in the community; read about it here.If you would like to make a donation, please make one here. The girls have so little, and Project Soar provides them with the means to achieve so much. The cycle of child brides and a lack of education can stop, and you can so easily help these girls become accomplished and educated women of the future.
As you can tell, I have grown to love these girls; I cannot tell you how it warmed my heart that they came running up to me with kisses and remembered me from last year. They took my hand and would not let go. So little can make such a difference. It's up to us strong women of the world to help all women reach their full potential, and honestly it's not that hard.My workshop group was so amazing and generous. They all attended a fundraiser dinner the week of our workshop, and we all vowed to get the word out. Stay tuned for more information about a fundraiser coming to Atlanta. Thanks to Sarah Dorio who tirelessly photographed all the girls and did so with kindness, patience, and a big smile on her face.
Photo Credit: moi and Sarah Dorio