https://vraduphotography.com/ weekly 1.0 https://vraduphotography.com/about monthly 0.8 https://vraduphotography.com/contact monthly 0.8 https://vraduphotography.com/intro:-waste-%7C-not monthly 0.8 https://vraduphotography.com/e-waste:-peru monthly 0.8 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/20160622_WilsonLeticia-110.jpg JUNE 22, 2016 Senor Freddy (left) has been selling used electronics on Leticia street for nearly a decade. When asked why collectors and resellers such as himself don't organize to establish a government-recognized union of informal collectors/refurbishers, he shrugged. "It's too difficult to organize the other collectors." Some say that formalizing the informal sector would increase their costs, especially for disposing old TVs that no longer have market value but contain hazardous materials that require safe handling. Other countries such as Brazil and India have formalized informal collectors and waste pickers into unions, which allows them to engage more directly with 'formal' recyclers. JUNE 22, 2016 Senor Freddy (left) has been selling used electronics on Leticia street for nearly a decade. When asked why collectors and resellers such as himself don't organize to establish a government-recognized union of informal collectors/refurbishers, he shrugged. "It's too difficult to organize the other collectors." Some say that formalizing the informal sector would increase their costs, especially for disposing old TVs that no longer have market value but contain hazardous materials that require safe handling. Other countries such as Brazil and India have formalized informal collectors and waste pickers into unions, which allows them to engage more directly with 'formal' recyclers. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/20160628_LeticiaCRT-091.jpg JUNE 28, 2016 Central Lima, Peru. Tuesday. 11:30am. JUNE 28, 2016 Central Lima, Peru. Tuesday. 11:30am. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/06222016Wilson-031.jpg JUNE 22, 2016 An electronics repair shopowner in central Lima, in an indoor mall which specializes in electronics refurbishment and resale. JUNE 22, 2016 An electronics repair shopowner in central Lima, in an indoor mall which specializes in electronics refurbishment and resale. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/20160628_LeticiaCRT-051.jpg JUNE 28, 2016 A repairman fixes a TV. Cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions disappeared from American store shelves nearly a decade ago. And yet, in the backstreets of Lima, a market for used CRT TVs thrives. JUNE 28, 2016 A repairman fixes a TV. Cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions disappeared from American store shelves nearly a decade ago. And yet, in the backstreets of Lima, a market for used CRT TVs thrives. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/20160628_Leticia-088.jpg JUNE 28, 2016 Ricardo, a cachinero, who makes his living by collecting CRT TVs, which he sells to refurbishers. JUNE 28, 2016 Ricardo, a cachinero, who makes his living by collecting CRT TVs, which he sells to refurbishers. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/20160624_WilsonLeticia-050.jpg JUNE 24, 2016 Aldair, a computer repair technician. “I used to work in a wool factory, six days a week,” he recounted. “Sometimes I would work nights only for two week stretches and then have to shift back. It wasn’t great.” His hours are now 9-5, 5 days a week. How did he learn to repair laptops? “I took one course. But after that, You Tube [has been] a great teacher." JUNE 24, 2016 Aldair, a computer repair technician. “I used to work in a wool factory, six days a week,” he recounted. “Sometimes I would work nights only for two week stretches and then have to shift back. It wasn’t great.” His hours are now 9-5, 5 days a week. How did he learn to repair laptops? “I took one course. But after that, You Tube [has been] a great teacher." https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/20160624_WilsonLeticia-046.jpg JUNE 24, 2016 Aldair's workstation. He collects used circuit boards and harvests components to fix customers' computers and laptops. JUNE 24, 2016 Aldair's workstation. He collects used circuit boards and harvests components to fix customers' computers and laptops. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/06242016Leticia-060.jpg JUNE 24, 2016 “I got my degree in graphic design, but started repairing LCDs about three years ago,” said Richard, who opened his own shop on Leticia one year ago. JUNE 24, 2016 “I got my degree in graphic design, but started repairing LCDs about three years ago,” said Richard, who opened his own shop on Leticia one year ago. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/06242016Wilson-139.jpg JUNE 24, 2016 A repairman tries to diagnose why this three-year old PC stopped functioning. It's owner, not in the frame, stood nearby waiting for him fix it. "Does it make more sense to repair a broken computer or buy a new one?" I asked the customers waiting to have their devices repaired only to be met with a blank stares that barely betrayed how I could ask such a dumb question. Repairing a computer can cost $30, whereas a new product costs 10-20 times more. JUNE 24, 2016 A repairman tries to diagnose why this three-year old PC stopped functioning. It's owner, not in the frame, stood nearby waiting for him fix it. "Does it make more sense to repair a broken computer or buy a new one?" I asked the customers waiting to have their devices repaired only to be met with a blank stares that barely betrayed how I could ask such a dumb question. Repairing a computer can cost $30, whereas a new product costs 10-20 times more. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/20160625_Huaycan-129.jpg JUNE 25, 2016 Two boys look at content on a laptop at the clubhouse of Light and Leadership, an NGO that serves the local community in the outskirts of Lima with educational and youth-focused programs. Staff at the organization provide computer literacy classes for woman and access to computers and laptops for teens that come to the clubhouse in the afternoons following school.Light and Leadership recently purchased refurbished computers from a U.S. entity specializing in loading educational software. I visited them to meet people who had directly benefited from access to such refurbished technology. JUNE 25, 2016 Two boys look at content on a laptop at the clubhouse of Light and Leadership, an NGO that serves the local community in the outskirts of Lima with educational and youth-focused programs. Staff at the organization provide computer literacy classes for woman and access to computers and laptops for teens that come to the clubhouse in the afternoons following school.Light and Leadership recently purchased refurbished computers from a U.S. entity specializing in loading educational software. I visited them to meet people who had directly benefited from access to such refurbished technology. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/06252016_Huaycan-245.jpg JUNE 25, 2016 Silvia Hilario de la Cruz's life changed when she learned how to use a computer a few years ago. "I didn't know how to open a file or what one even was," she recounted. Light and Leadership, an NGO that serves the local community in the outskirts of Lima, provides computer literacy classes for woman, teaching them how search the internet and use Microsoft Word. After Silvia completed the course, she was able to take on new employment, tracking sales receipts for a local business, and is able to help her daughter with her computer-based homework. She currently owns and manages a small local store selling groceries, snacks and household items. JUNE 25, 2016 Silvia Hilario de la Cruz's life changed when she learned how to use a computer a few years ago. "I didn't know how to open a file or what one even was," she recounted. Light and Leadership, an NGO that serves the local community in the outskirts of Lima, provides computer literacy classes for woman, teaching them how search the internet and use Microsoft Word. After Silvia completed the course, she was able to take on new employment, tracking sales receipts for a local business, and is able to help her daughter with her computer-based homework. She currently owns and manages a small local store selling groceries, snacks and household items. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/20160628_LeticiaCRT-015.jpg JUNE 28, 2016 Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) televisions being prepared for resale, just off Leticia street in central Lima. JUNE 28, 2016 Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) televisions being prepared for resale, just off Leticia street in central Lima. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/20160628_LeticiaCRT-039.jpg JUNE 28, 2016 Victor Arevalo has worked in TV repair for 30 years. Business is mostly focused on CRT repair, but flat screens are starting to trickle in. Another refurbished CRT TV vendor, Daniel Rodriguez (not shown) lamented, "I wish the NGOs and government officials would recognize our importance in keeping these products out of the environment by extending their use. But they don't want to work with us." JUNE 28, 2016 Victor Arevalo has worked in TV repair for 30 years. Business is mostly focused on CRT repair, but flat screens are starting to trickle in. Another refurbished CRT TV vendor, Daniel Rodriguez (not shown) lamented, "I wish the NGOs and government officials would recognize our importance in keeping these products out of the environment by extending their use. But they don't want to work with us." https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/20160628_LeticiaCRT-035.jpg JUNE 28, 2016 In Victor Arevalo's shop, it costs about $8 USD to repair a CRT TV. Repair shops purchase or hoard components from used TVs to fix their customers' products. Used parts are no longer available from the original manufacturer. Images such as these are often used to demonstrate the environmental hazards of electronic scrap flows, but closer inspection confirms that the space is, well, just messy. Though the components are strewn everywhere, they are simply inventory. JUNE 28, 2016 In Victor Arevalo's shop, it costs about $8 USD to repair a CRT TV. Repair shops purchase or hoard components from used TVs to fix their customers' products. Used parts are no longer available from the original manufacturer. Images such as these are often used to demonstrate the environmental hazards of electronic scrap flows, but closer inspection confirms that the space is, well, just messy. Though the components are strewn everywhere, they are simply inventory. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/20160628_LeticiaCRT-113.jpg JUNE 28, 2016 Senora Dona prepares PCs for sale on the sidewalk in front of the electronics repair shop, where she works. JUNE 28, 2016 Senora Dona prepares PCs for sale on the sidewalk in front of the electronics repair shop, where she works. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/06222016Leticia-119.jpg JUNE 22, 2016 Police conduct a raid on Leticia street, confiscating used PCs for sale that were displayed on the sidewalk seconds earlier. Police periodically raid the informal sector that operates in the open to discourage the practice of informal resale or to confiscate equipment they assume include stolen goods. Police wear masks to hide their identity for fear of personal retaliation if people recognize them. JUNE 22, 2016 Police conduct a raid on Leticia street, confiscating used PCs for sale that were displayed on the sidewalk seconds earlier. Police periodically raid the informal sector that operates in the open to discourage the practice of informal resale or to confiscate equipment they assume include stolen goods. Police wear masks to hide their identity for fear of personal retaliation if people recognize them. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/20160705_recycler-227.jpg A formal recycling facility in the outskirts of Lima, where electronics are dismantled and sorted under safe conditions. Under its contractual obligations with commercial customers, this facilty does not refurbish electronics or salvage parts for reuse. Metals, such as steel and aluminum are sold locally and components such as circuit boards, copper cables (shown here), and plastics are baled and prepared for export to China for further processing. A formal recycling facility in the outskirts of Lima, where electronics are dismantled and sorted under safe conditions. Under its contractual obligations with commercial customers, this facilty does not refurbish electronics or salvage parts for reuse. Metals, such as steel and aluminum are sold locally and components such as circuit boards, copper cables (shown here), and plastics are baled and prepared for export to China for further processing. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/20160705_recycler-055.jpg JULY 5, 2016 Extended Producer Responsibility legislation in Peru, where manufacturers pay into a recycling system to ensure that products are safely recycled, has given rise to an emerging formal electronics recycling sector. At Peru Green's recycling facility, products are dismantled at workstations (left) and materials are sorted into giant bins. A small percentage of components are sold to a local metals processor. The majority of components, such as printed circuit boards and copper cables, are shipped to either the U.S., Europe or China for further processing since Peru Green does not currently have a mechanism for further reducing or shredding components down to their commodity, or raw material, level. Peru Green's recycling contracts with institutions prohibit reuse, thus incentivizing exports of components to regions where they have high market value. In Peru, a less industrialized country, formal recyclers have limited options for processing components beyond dismantling them, highlighting the need to shore up transparency and certification schemes for recyclers across all industrialized and non-industrialized markets. JULY 5, 2016 Extended Producer Responsibility legislation in Peru, where manufacturers pay into a recycling system to ensure that products are safely recycled, has given rise to an emerging formal electronics recycling sector. At Peru Green's recycling facility, products are dismantled at workstations (left) and materials are sorted into giant bins. A small percentage of components are sold to a local metals processor. The majority of components, such as printed circuit boards and copper cables, are shipped to either the U.S., Europe or China for further processing since Peru Green does not currently have a mechanism for further reducing or shredding components down to their commodity, or raw material, level. Peru Green's recycling contracts with institutions prohibit reuse, thus incentivizing exports of components to regions where they have high market value. In Peru, a less industrialized country, formal recyclers have limited options for processing components beyond dismantling them, highlighting the need to shore up transparency and certification schemes for recyclers across all industrialized and non-industrialized markets. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/20160705_recycler-139.jpg JULY 5, 2017 A worker dismantles electronic products under safe conditions. Under its contractual obligations with commercial customers, this formal recycling facilty does not refurbish electronics or salvage parts for reuse. While some metals are sold to local markets, components such as circuit boards, copper cables, and plastics are baled and prepared for export for further processing. The emergence of the formal sector potentially gives rise to competition with the informal sector for the same materials. Understanding the relative strengths of both entities and the benefits they both bring to society is important to allow for different forms of employment to flourish. In addition, pinpointing where vulnerablities exist in safely recycling these products-- such as informal CRT glass disposal-- and recognizing the socio-political dynamics that limit collaboration between the formal and informal sectors is critical for forging a system where both can thrive. Finally, given technological constraints among Peru’s formal recyclers, stakeholders should look to shore up certification of best recycling practices in key regions, such as Asia and the United States, so that all countries who must export material have access to sound end-of-life processing methods that are transparent for all, or build up local recycling capacities through technology transfers. JULY 5, 2017 A worker dismantles electronic products under safe conditions. Under its contractual obligations with commercial customers, this formal recycling facilty does not refurbish electronics or salvage parts for reuse. While some metals are sold to local markets, components such as circuit boards, copper cables, and plastics are baled and prepared for export for further processing. The emergence of the formal sector potentially gives rise to competition with the informal sector for the same materials. Understanding the relative strengths of both entities and the benefits they both bring to society is important to allow for different forms of employment to flourish. In addition, pinpointing where vulnerablities exist in safely recycling these products-- such as informal CRT glass disposal-- and recognizing the socio-political dynamics that limit collaboration between the formal and informal sectors is critical for forging a system where both can thrive. Finally, given technological constraints among Peru’s formal recyclers, stakeholders should look to shore up certification of best recycling practices in key regions, such as Asia and the United States, so that all countries who must export material have access to sound end-of-life processing methods that are transparent for all, or build up local recycling capacities through technology transfers. https://vraduphotography.com/e-waste:-india monthly 0.8 https://vraduphotography.com/plastics:-indonesia monthly 0.8 https://vraduphotography.com/dee's-story monthly 0.8 https://vraduphotography.com/in-kenya:-transformations monthly 0.8 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/girls_with_chairs_4x6_copy.jpg Students heading into class, St. Luke's Secondary School. Students heading into class, St. Luke's Secondary School. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/STARS_gordon_afar_teaching.jpg The First Visit LATE JANUARY, 2011 “Are we together?” Gordon's voice bounced off the walls. Gordon, a 22 year old orphan and STARS high school graduate, was in the midst of explaining geometry to eight graders. “Yes.” They girls replied in low monotonous unison. Many STARS, such as Gordon, return to teach at St. Luke’s during their interim year after taking their post-secondary school exams, while they wait to learn where they have been accepted to attend university or other schools for higher education. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/STARS_gordonpointingup.jpg Gordon, himself an orphan, teaching other orphans in a science class. Gordon, himself an orphan, teaching other orphans in a science class. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/basic_classroom.jpg One late afternoon, Kevin, the soft spoken 20-year old headmaster for the St. Luke's girls secondary school, spontaneously asked me if I wanted to visit the other primary school across the road, where up to 700 hundred students attend. We entered the school grounds and saw throngs of students congregating in hubs on the red dirt courtyard to socialize after a long day in class. It wasn't until we were on our way back that I paused to peek inside one of the classrooms. I gasped at the dire austerity. Yet, there is nothing relatively unusual or desperate about this classroom, since many classrooms in rural Kenya resemble it. As I learned, many children in this part of country love going to school. One late afternoon, Kevin, the soft spoken 20-year old headmaster for the St. Luke's girls secondary school, spontaneously asked me if I wanted to visit the other primary school across the road, where up to 700 hundred students attend. We entered the school grounds and saw throngs of students congregating in hubs on the red dirt courtyard to socialize after a long day in class. It wasn't until we were on our way back that I paused to peek inside one of the classrooms. I gasped at the dire austerity. Yet, there is nothing relatively unusual or desperate about this classroom, since many classrooms in rural Kenya resemble it. As I learned, many children in this part of country love going to school. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/girls_in_dinner_line-2.jpg Dinner line, St. Luke's secondary school students. Dinner line, St. Luke's secondary school students. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/STARS_girl_withdesk.jpg Early morning, St. Luke's primary school. Early morning, St. Luke's primary school. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/STARS_Faithpensive.jpg “I think she was surprised that a tiny child would challenge her powers.” Faith, 18, is petite and soft spoken, though her quiet demeanor is quickly shed when you start talking to her. She is tenacious, determined and whip smart. Her father died when she was younger and her mother, a teacher, was unable to afford Faith's school fees once she reached secondary school. So Faith set her sights on the best school in the region and just kept showing up to class. The headmistress, a strong-willed, intimidating woman, wasn't having it. “I said to her, 'I am coming here!'” Faith recounted. The headmistress allowed Faith to attend the first term without booting her out, a rare move since administrators in Kenya routinely bar students from attending class if school fees are not paid up front. Pastor Joshua learned about Faith's situation as her second term was starting and STARS was able to cover her fees through the end of her fourth year. “I think she was surprised that a tiny child would challenge her powers.” Faith, 18, is petite and soft spoken, though her quiet demeanor is quickly shed when you start talking to her. She is tenacious, determined and whip smart. Her father died when she was younger and her mother, a teacher, was unable to afford Faith's school fees once she reached secondary school. So Faith set her sights on the best school in the region and just kept showing up to class. The headmistress, a strong-willed, intimidating woman, wasn't having it. “I said to her, 'I am coming here!'” Faith recounted. The headmistress allowed Faith to attend the first term without booting her out, a rare move since administrators in Kenya routinely bar students from attending class if school fees are not paid up front. Pastor Joshua learned about Faith's situation as her second term was starting and STARS was able to cover her fees through the end of her fourth year. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/STARS_graffitidesks.jpg Desk graffiti. Desk graffiti. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/books_.jpg School books. School books. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/STARS_steveleaning-3237.jpg Steve, 20, listens as a guest lectures at his social studes class. Like the other STARS orphans who are volunteer teachers at St. Luke's, he also teaches math and physics. He is determined to see that more girls in rural Kenya receive a secondary school education. Steve, 20, listens as a guest lectures at his social studes class. Like the other STARS orphans who are volunteer teachers at St. Luke's, he also teaches math and physics. He is determined to see that more girls in rural Kenya receive a secondary school education. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/HIV_PanoramaA.jpg In Kenya: Transformations | vraduphotography.com View In Kenya: Transformations by vraduphotography.com. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/patricia_looking_up-2.jpg Patricia, a 14-year old STARS orphan, on a day's outing, one week before beginning secondary school. Patricia, a 14-year old STARS orphan, on a day's outing, one week before beginning secondary school. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/STARS_Humphrey.jpg Humphrey. “There was no one to pay my high school fees, so I just repeated Class 8,” said Humphrey, 22, quietly and matter-of-factly. His father had already died. He didn't seem resentful at all. “There was no other option.” STARS funded his secondary school education. He wants to become a teacher. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/STARS_Steve_George.jpg Steve and George. Steve (left) and George (right), ages 20 and 22, are both orphans and STARS graduates. Steve wants to become a teacher and, George, a rural electrification technician. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/joshua_window.jpg “In secondary school I suffered a lot. I finished in 1981 and I went to work in a small restaurant in a hotel to wash plates and mop the floor. One of my co-workers pointed out a man who would come to take breakfast. He was the divisional director of schools. So, I took him breakfast one day and I said to him: 'I am an orphan. I took my second level exam. Can you please consider me to be a teacher?'" “In secondary school I suffered a lot. I finished in 1981 and I went to work in a small restaurant in a hotel to wash plates and mop the floor. One of my co-workers pointed out a man who would come to take breakfast. He was the divisional director of schools. So, I took him breakfast one day and I said to him: 'I am an orphan. I took my second level exam. Can you please consider me to be a teacher?'" https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/STARS_Abigael_laughing.jpg They call me Minji, which means The Mother of All,” bellowed Abigael. “It is because they are my children. I treat them like they are my own.” Abigael is Pastor Joshua's formidable wife and by the end of my ten day stay at the St. Luke's compound I, too, was calling her “Mama.” Pastor Joshua is an inspiration and has created a ministry that provides direct care and hope for the least of those in his society. Yet, the engine and life force that makes the compound run and the one that infuses the place with maternal affection is Abigael. I interviewed her on a Wednesday morning around 7:30am in front of the computer lab of the girls' secondary school. She had been up for a while and had already made her morning rounds to the classrooms to greet the teachers and the students. “When I married this man,” she began to recount her choosing Joshua, who courted her for over a year during college before she finally acquiesced to date him. “He said OK, but if you will build a life with me, you will also take care of orphans. And he presented me with five orphans to take in right away. At the time I said, wow, what is this thing: an orphan? I had never heard of someone who had lost both parents. But then I remembered a dream I had as a child. I dreamt that I would be taking care of many, many children. At the time, I told my mother and couldn't understand what it meant. Now I see how the dream has come true.” They call me Minji, which means The Mother of All,” bellowed Abigael. “It is because they are my children. I treat them like they are my own.” Abigael is Pastor Joshua's formidable wife and by the end of my ten day stay at the St. Luke's compound I, too, was calling her “Mama.” Pastor Joshua is an inspiration and has created a ministry that provides direct care and hope for the least of those in his society. Yet, the engine and life force that makes the compound run and the one that infuses the place with maternal affection is Abigael. I interviewed her on a Wednesday morning around 7:30am in front of the computer lab of the girls' secondary school. She had been up for a while and had already made her morning rounds to the classrooms to greet the teachers and the students. “When I married this man,” she began to recount her choosing Joshua, who courted her for over a year during college before she finally acquiesced to date him. “He said OK, but if you will build a life with me, you will also take care of orphans. And he presented me with five orphans to take in right away. At the time I said, wow, what is this thing: an orphan? I had never heard of someone who had lost both parents. But then I remembered a dream I had as a child. I dreamt that I would be taking care of many, many children. At the time, I told my mother and couldn't understand what it meant. Now I see how the dream has come true.” https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/Gordon_and_Faith_8x10_v2.jpg Gordon and Faith, two orphans who are STARS graduates. Gordon and Faith, two orphans who are STARS graduates. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/widow_visiting_despair.jpg Pastor Joshua brings food to Nyagoga, an elderly widow. Once an athlete, she is now too weak to walk. Pastor Joshua brings food to Nyagoga, an elderly widow. Once an athlete, she is now too weak to walk. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/pastor_awino_wife_home_visiting.jpg Pastor Awino and his wife, elders within the St. Luke's community, at their home. Most villagers in Miwani live in simple mud-walled homes with two rooms and without amenities or electricy. Pastor Awino and his wife, elders within the St. Luke's community, at their home. Most villagers in Miwani live in simple mud-walled homes with two rooms and without amenities or electricy. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/pastor_joshua_preaching.jpg Pastor Joshua Atieno, founder of St. Luke's secondary school, himself an orphan, preaching in front of his congregation. Pastor Joshua Atieno, founder of St. Luke's secondary school, himself an orphan, preaching in front of his congregation. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/STARS_Abigael_field.jpg Abigael in the "shamba," or farm, on the St. Luke's premises. As Abigael and I were walking back from the rice paddy one morning, we talked about why some young adults flourish and others do not, when given the same access to higher education. "You can give a person an opportunity and some will squander it," she said. The young adults in these photos want a better future for themselves and they believe it is within their reach. Abigael in the "shamba," or farm, on the St. Luke's premises. As Abigael and I were walking back from the rice paddy one morning, we talked about why some young adults flourish and others do not, when given the same access to higher education. "You can give a person an opportunity and some will squander it," she said. The young adults in these photos want a better future for themselves and they believe it is within their reach. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/STARS_dusk_westernkenya.jpg Dusk, St. Luke's premises. "In life it is easy to always welcome in but it is much harder to welcome out. Now you are family, so there is a hole that is created when you leave. It hurts when you let go of family, so don't let go of us." - Gordon, age 22, STARS graduate. Dusk, St. Luke's premises. "In life it is easy to always welcome in but it is much harder to welcome out. Now you are family, so there is a hole that is created when you leave. It hurts when you let go of family, so don't let go of us." - Gordon, age 22, STARS graduate. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/STARS_remember_short.jpg In Kenya: Transformations | vraduphotography.com View In Kenya: Transformations by vraduphotography.com. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/orangedormwall-2864.jpg 18 Months Later: The Second Visit AUGUST 2012 Noon at St. Luke's. The dormitory houses orphans who attend the on-site elementary school. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/HSgirlssmiling.jpg Christine, in high school, asking whether or not she should take physics or biology. The youngest of 8, she is the first in her family to receive an education. Christine, in high school, asking whether or not she should take physics or biology. The youngest of 8, she is the first in her family to receive an education. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/gordonhumphreyclearing.jpg Humphrey (L) is studying human resources management and Gordon (R) is pharmacology. Pastor Joshua continues to try to instill in the orphans a sense of service to help those in need, recognizing their traumatic pasts, but encouraging them to not let those experiences prevent them from becoming agents of change in their communities. “Use your skills and your talents,” Joshua urged, “to transform the world around you.” Humphrey (L) is studying human resources management and Gordon (R) is pharmacology. Pastor Joshua continues to try to instill in the orphans a sense of service to help those in need, recognizing their traumatic pasts, but encouraging them to not let those experiences prevent them from becoming agents of change in their communities. “Use your skills and your talents,” Joshua urged, “to transform the world around you.” https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/choresSTARSgirls.jpg Patricia (L) and Mavelyn (R) clean a widow's home. Pastor Joshua continues to try to instill in the orphans a sense of service to help those in need, recognizing their traumatic pasts, but encouraging them to not let those experiences prevent them from becoming agents of change in their communities. “Use your skills and your talents,” Joshua urged, “to transform the world around you.” Patricia (L) and Mavelyn (R) clean a widow's home. Pastor Joshua continues to try to instill in the orphans a sense of service to help those in need, recognizing their traumatic pasts, but encouraging them to not let those experiences prevent them from becoming agents of change in their communities. “Use your skills and your talents,” Joshua urged, “to transform the world around you.” https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/patricialeafingbook.jpg Patricia, 15, now more confident of her capabilities and talents than in 2011 when I first met her. Patricia, 15, now more confident of her capabilities and talents than in 2011 when I first met her. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/roomview.jpg The interior of a local home. The interior of a local home. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/flipflop.jpg During a Sunday service at St. Luke's. Many children in the community do not have shoes. "Do poor people in your country have shoes?" one of the high school STARS asked me. "Many do." I replied. "But how can they be poor then?" was her reply. During a Sunday service at St. Luke's. Many children in the community do not have shoes. "Do poor people in your country have shoes?" one of the high school STARS asked me. "Many do." I replied. "But how can they be poor then?" was her reply. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/moses-4884.jpg Moses, enrolled in college, is studying pharmacology. Moses, enrolled in college, is studying pharmacology. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/milliebridge.jpg Millie, an orphan at St. Luke's who is cared for by Pastor Joshua and Abigael holds their adopted son, Bridge. Seven months earlier, Abigael found him, an abandoned newborn, at the foot of a bridge and named him accordingly. Millie, an orphan at St. Luke's who is cared for by Pastor Joshua and Abigael holds their adopted son, Bridge. Seven months earlier, Abigael found him, an abandoned newborn, at the foot of a bridge and named him accordingly. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/eye.jpg Mavelyn, 16, now a high school student. Her favorite subject is French. Mavelyn, 16, now a high school student. Her favorite subject is French. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/ChristineHSpresenting.jpg Christine, in high school, practices presenting to her peers. STARS Children Africa sets up workshops to help students practice their written and speaking skills. Christine, in high school, practices presenting to her peers. STARS Children Africa sets up workshops to help students practice their written and speaking skills. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/GSTARS_walking_garden__1_of_1_.jpg Graduate STARS walking among the cabbage patches on the St. Luke's premises. As they continue to pursue higher education, let's see where they are, how they lead, and how they engage with their communities in the coming years. Graduate STARS walking among the cabbage patches on the St. Luke's premises. As they continue to pursue higher education, let's see where they are, how they lead, and how they engage with their communities in the coming years. https://vraduphotography.com/at-her-table monthly 0.8 https://vraduphotography.com/postcards:-north monthly 0.8 https://vraduphotography.com/postcards:-south monthly 0.8 https://vraduphotography.com/delhi monthly 0.8 https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/delhiforweb-045.jpg Delhi | vraduphotography.com View Delhi by vraduphotography.com. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/delhiforweb-025.jpg Delhi | vraduphotography.com View Delhi by vraduphotography.com. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/delhiforweb-059.jpg Delhi | vraduphotography.com View Delhi by vraduphotography.com. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/delhiforweb-428.jpg Delhi | vraduphotography.com View Delhi by vraduphotography.com. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/delhiforweb-077.jpg Delhi | vraduphotography.com View Delhi by 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https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/AWH_painting-431.jpg Children & Maternity | vraduphotography.com View Children & Maternity by vraduphotography.com. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/Addie_introducing-0986.jpg Children & Maternity | vraduphotography.com View Children & Maternity by vraduphotography.com. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/SE-112.jpg 20140615_ Sonia and Edmond, pregnancy, portrait, 2014, Washington, D.C. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/LBP_yawning-025.jpg Children & Maternity | vraduphotography.com View Children & Maternity by vraduphotography.com. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/AM_window1.jpg Children & Maternity | vraduphotography.com View Children & Maternity by vraduphotography.com. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/SSL-187.jpg Children & Maternity | vraduphotography.com View Children & Maternity by vraduphotography.com. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/SDG_sil1.jpg Children & Maternity | vraduphotography.com View Children & Maternity by vraduphotography.com. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/addiecloseup_2009.jpg Children & Maternity | vraduphotography.com View Children & Maternity by vraduphotography.com. https://cdn.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/20190726_188-Edit.jpg Children & Maternity | vraduphotography.com View Children & Maternity by vraduphotography.com. https://vraduphotography.com/a-special-place monthly 0.8 https://vraduphotography.com/san-joaquin's-thirst monthly 0.8 https://storage.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/c7nk7dlv_ysat0eik_gn3j94_orangegrove2-8346.jpg A typical orange grove in the Central Valley. Water is disbursed to trees from various pumps situated inside the grove via piping that runs along the ground. The water used to irrigate crops comes from the Sierra Nevada mountains, whereas groundwater which is contaminated by decades of fertilizer and pesticide use and nitrate runoff from dairies, is the source of local drinking water. A typical orange grove in the Central Valley. Water is disbursed to trees from various pumps situated inside the grove via piping that runs along the ground. The water used to irrigate crops comes from the Sierra Nevada mountains, whereas groundwater which is contaminated by decades of fertilizer and pesticide use and nitrate runoff from dairies, is the source of local drinking water. https://storage.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/c7nk7dlv_ysat0eik_mmxgzm_peachgroveshadow3-6001.jpg A fruit orchard lies dormant after the harvest. The Central Valley produces much of the fruit, vegetables and nuts that we eat domestically and export, including peaches, apricots, grapes, walnuts, olives and pomegranates. A fruit orchard lies dormant after the harvest. The Central Valley produces much of the fruit, vegetables and nuts that we eat domestically and export, including peaches, apricots, grapes, walnuts, olives and pomegranates. https://storage.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/c7nk7dlv_ysat0eik_s6u88s_valerianawatercolor-8735.jpg Valeriana, a local community organizer in her home in Tooleville, where the drinking water is not safe for human consumption. Valeriana, a local community organizer in her home in Tooleville, where the drinking water is not safe for human consumption. https://storage.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/c7nk7dlv_ysat0eik_eqnagm_cropwaterbirds-8272.jpg A reservoir, intended only for crop irrigation, winds its way through fruit groves. The pristine water is sourced from the Sierra Nevada mountains. Such water is not accessible to local communities for drinking water. A reservoir, intended only for crop irrigation, winds its way through fruit groves. The pristine water is sourced from the Sierra Nevada mountains. Such water is not accessible to local communities for drinking water. https://storage.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/c7nk7dlv_ysat0eik_fpr1c3_dirtypipefield8214a.jpg In Seville, a community of a few hundred people in the Central Valley, this pipe delivers drinking water to local residents. Though Seville's water tank was just retrofitted, some of the local piping that runs through the town is decrepit and exposed to the elements. In Seville, a community of a few hundred people in the Central Valley, this pipe delivers drinking water to local residents. Though Seville's water tank was just retrofitted, some of the local piping that runs through the town is decrepit and exposed to the elements. https://storage.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/c7nk7dlv_ysat0eik_w4elxf_bigpiperusted3-9062.jpg A corroded pipe, one of many commonly found in community drinking water systems throughout the Central Valley. A corroded pipe, one of many commonly found in community drinking water systems throughout the Central Valley. https://storage.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/c7nk7dlv_ysat0eik_i2862b_becky-8238.jpg Becky Quintana, a grassroots organizer, has been advocating for clean water for many years, starting in her hometown of Seville. Becky Quintana, a grassroots organizer, has been advocating for clean water for many years, starting in her hometown of Seville. https://storage.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/c7nk7dlv_ysat0eik_m9y7fg_attorneypresenting2-8601.jpg Over the past few years, the Community Water Center has organized local residents to raise awareness on the health impacts of drinking water and to advocate at a state and local level for change. As one outgrowth of CWC's engagement, residents have begun to focus on other issues affecting them by further organizing and tapping into resources that could bring about greater awareness and changes. In recent years, residents of Cutler-Orosi (towns in the Central Valley where many immigrant farm workers live) have come together under the group "Vecinos Unidos," or Neighbors United, and meet regularly in public spaces. On the evening when I visited, a local attorney presented on and answered questions regarding immigration policies, no small issue in the San Joaquin Valley. Over the past few years, the Community Water Center has organized local residents to raise awareness on the health impacts of drinking water and to advocate at a state and local level for change. As one outgrowth of CWC's engagement, residents have begun to focus on other issues affecting them by further organizing and tapping into resources that could bring about greater awareness and changes. In recent years, residents of Cutler-Orosi (towns in the Central Valley where many immigrant farm workers live) have come together under the group "Vecinos Unidos," or Neighbors United, and meet regularly in public spaces. On the evening when I visited, a local attorney presented on and answered questions regarding immigration policies, no small issue in the San Joaquin Valley. https://storage.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/c7nk7dlv_ysat0eik_azpha2_quevedo1-8543.jpg Jesus Quevedo, an activist who has deep roots to his community, looks on during a community gathering. He is one of many who have spoken out against contamination of local drinking water. Jesus Quevedo, an activist who has deep roots to his community, looks on during a community gathering. He is one of many who have spoken out against contamination of local drinking water. https://storage.neonsky.app/4df269c081183/images/c7nk7dlv_ysat0eik_bhomlf_orange3color.jpg Orange covered in kaolin clay, a type of pesticide, which is deemed innocuous by many in the industry when compared to other pesticides that are not as visible. The clay, applied generously to the crops, to the point where they look like they have been doused in white paint, is intended to shield crops from sunburn. I took this photo to illustrate the inputs to our food and how these inputs may have wider environmental impacts. Most of us, especially we who live in urban surroundings, are often not aware of how our food is grown and are not well equipped to understand the broader impacts of our food options. As many fertilizers and pesticides are not visible, this photo is also intended to show what our food would look like, still connected to the vine, if we could see all chemicals and substances applied to it. Orange covered in kaolin clay, a type of pesticide, which is deemed innocuous by many in the industry when compared to other pesticides that are not as visible. The clay, applied generously to the crops, to the point where they look like they have been doused in white paint, is intended to shield crops from sunburn. I took this photo to illustrate the inputs to our food and how these inputs may have wider environmental impacts. Most of us, especially we who live in urban surroundings, are often not aware of how our food is grown and are not well equipped to understand the broader impacts of our food options. As many fertilizers and pesticides are not visible, this photo is also intended to show what our food would look like, still connected to the vine, if we could see all chemicals and substances applied to it.