Empowering With Gratitude: Why Cameras For Girls Offers Free Access to Our Online Platform
In a world that often measures success in monetary terms, Cameras For Girls stands out as a beacon of gratitude and empowerment. As an organization deeply committed to fostering photography, storytelling, and business skills, we have consciously decided to provide free access to our online training platform. While the allure of seed funding through charging for access was tempting, our unwavering belief in gratitude led us to choose a different path—one rooted in giving, empowerment, and creating a beautiful world.
Gratitude as Our Guiding Principle
At Cameras For Girls, gratitude is not just a sentiment; it's a guiding principle that shapes our mission and vision. We recognize the profound impact that gratitude can have on individuals and communities, fostering a sense of connection, purpose, and well-being. By choosing to give freely, we aim to cultivate a culture of gratitude that extends beyond our organization and creates a ripple effect of positivity.
After recently hearing the podcast on Gratitude, delivered by Chris Anderson of TED Talks, stating, what would happen to humanity if generosity went viral? Chris outlines why the time has come to supercharge small acts of kindness, changing lives at a scale never experienced before. Learn how to cultivate a generous mindset — with or without giving money — and get inspired with tools to amplify your impact. "Be brave. Give what you can, and then be absolutely amazed at what happens next," Anderson says.
As the founder of Cameras For Girls, I take this to heart. I meet young girls and women across Africa, both in my travels and through email and online, who don't have the same opportunities I do living in the Western world. By practicing gratitude for what I have and the life I am fortunate to lead, I can empower them to strive for more in their own lives.
Empowering Others through Free Access
Our decision to offer free access to our online training platform is grounded in the belief that knowledge and skills should be accessible to all, regardless of financial barriers. Photography, storytelling, and business skills are powerful tools that can empower individuals to express themselves, pursue their passions, and build sustainable futures. By removing the financial barrier to education, we open doors for countless individuals, especially those who may not have had the opportunity otherwise.
The online training portal came about after I could not return to Uganda during COVID. Not wanting all of the work we had done already to go to waste, I set to work and built the online training portal, which has become an essential way for our students to stay on top of the learning; however, it has also allowed me to build connections outside of our core programming and offer this training to other young women and men in refugee settlements across Africa.
In addition to providing free access to our online platform, Cameras For Girls actively supports various refugee settlements in Northern Uganda. Young women and men fleeing conflict and displacement come to us seeking not only to learn but also to find support, community, and a chance to rebuild their lives. Our programs offer a safe space for these individuals to acquire new skills, develop a sense of belonging, and regain control over their narratives.
For instance, Mariam and a few other women have a soap-making business in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement but did not know how to market or take photos of their products for sale. A few months into the course, they are now producing excellent images, selling their products and, more importantly, earning an income to escape poverty.
Ushering in a Beautiful World
The decision to forgo charging for access to our online platform is a conscious choice to contribute to creating a beautiful world. We envision a world where knowledge is freely shared, opportunities are accessible to all, and individuals are empowered to pursue their dreams. We aspire to inspire others to embrace generosity and kindness through giving, creating a ripple effect that transforms communities and transcends boundaries.
At Cameras For Girls, gratitude is not just a virtue; it's a driving force that shapes our values and actions. We embrace the transformative power of education and empowerment by offering free access to our online training platform. In doing so, we contribute to creating a beautiful world where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive. As believers in gratitude, we invite others to join us in fostering a culture of generosity and compassion, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.