Ghetto Exposed Foundation: training talented kids to become professionals

A huge break for young photographers and dancers

If you have an international company in Kenya and you need a photographer, why not work with young local talents instead of bringing in pro’s from abroad? Or are you perhaps throwing a party in or around Nairobi? Why not hire the young professional dancers from a local group of disadvantaged youth?

Ghetto Exposed Foundation is specialized in training young people with an artistic talent from the slums in developing countries to become professionals. By developing these talents – such as photography or dance – to a high level, Ghetto Exposed offers motivated young people a better future. The project of Suzie Geenen, Caroline Slot and Laurien Holtjer from The Netherlands has entered its second year. They are now actively looking to attract more customers.

A lot of potential

This year, ten young people in Nairobi took part in a photography course where all cameras, travel expenses and meals were provided by the Ghetto Exposed Foundation. “There is a lot of potential”, says Suzie Geenen, who is a professional photographer. The first customer for the young photographers is FloraHolland in Kenya, a well-known international flower company. “Our young photographers have been hired to cover the anniversary party of FloraHolland in Kenya, in the end of November. This is a huge break for these young people, who will be coached by us.”

In the meantime, the Ghetto Exposed Foundation is now putting together a class of young and talented dancers. They will go through a tough training program with three 6 hour-classes per week. “We are hoping to create opportunities in dancing, such as at parties or events. We’ll make sure the kids are ready”, Suzie says.

Photo book: a great gift

All funding for the activities comes from donations and fundraising events, but Ghetto Exposed also tries to find alternative money sources; a photo book with the photography of the local Nairobi kids in the first class will be published in December. “It’s a great Christmas gift”, Suzie says with a smile on her face, adding that she just received the first order for 350 books, from a company that is more than willing to invest some of its CSR budget to enable Ghetto Exposed to expand its activities into other countries in the region, like Ethiopia.

Suzie: “We want to show the 'hidden' talents of these young kids from the slums, and literally expose their great potential. It is our mission to help these talented young people to achieve their full artistic potential. We train this select group to become professionals; and at the same time we explore the options to create a market for their talent. We want to hand them the tools to make a solid living for themselves and give them the opportunity to create a better live for them and those around them.”

What do you think of the Ghetto Exposed Foundation? If you also believe in this great project please don't hesitate to support them!

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