I recently returned from a trip to Dandora, Kenya where my sister Nancy Economou and I worked with Kenya Children’s Fund. We began the process of helping to distribute and deliver 1,000 solar lights to every student and faculty member. While we were there, we couldn’t help but notice that despite their very difficult surroundings, the staff was always so joyful and pleasant.

Together, these two cooks provide the only means of nutrition that the students of Kinyago-Dandora are guaranteed to receive for the day.

They are the true unsung heroes of approximately 650 students, who are fed twice daily while pursuing their education through the Kenya Children’s Fund. To me, the nonverbal communication in this photograph says more than 1oo words could ever say about these humble and caring souls.

“To me, a portrait that only deals with outward appearances is a one-dimensional photo. To create a truly memorable portrait, you need to try and reveal some of the secrets that all subjects have hidden.”

At the time I took Ginger’s portrait, I didn’t realize how powerful, caring, graceful and dedicated she is to the children of Dandora. To me, Ginger conveyed the same powers of a lioness. When I saw her admiring a lion image on one of the walls at Campi Ya Kanzi, I could see there was an instant relationship. The moment I put a lion image in her hands, I could “feel” a connection between the two! Ginger is one of the most impressive people I have ever had the good fortune to meet in my life. What Ginger and her staff at the Kenya Children’s Fund have done for the children at Kinyago-Dandora is awe-inspiring and something I will never forget!

“Some smiles might actually be brighter than our solar lights!”

Teachers are the most important factor of a child’s education, and quality education is one of the single biggest determining contributors to a child’s ablity to succeed in life. All of the teachers we met during our visit in Dandora were there to ignite and inspire knowledge and love teaching beyond what words can express.

“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”

-Maya Angelou

It has been said it is better to give than receive; however, when it is your life’s work and mission to constantly give to others, it sure feels nice to be rewarded for your efforts. It was such a pleasure to see the staff so excited when they were handed their new solar lights, tee shrits and wristbands.

“Very little can be done under the spirit of fear.” –Florence Nightengale

Prior to arriving at the Dandora dump site, we were informed that we could not enter the area unless we had armed security. I didn’t realize it meant two men carrying AK47's. I have experienced a million situations while creating photos over the past 20 years, but I have never had two heavily-armed men trail behind me as I captured photos. The incredibly surprising thing is that NONE of the people I photographed seemed to care or even give it a second thought! This fact alone showed me that the people who live off the dump site live an entirely different experience than most. The sad reality is we needed the security and everyone we encountered understood it and casually accepted it.

Peggy Turnbull and Christine Petry from the Kenya Children’s Fund were so excited to visit and see all the children they support and work so hard for every day back in the United States.

The amazingly successful partnership between Kenya Children’s Fund and Watts of Love provided over 1,000 families with new solar lights, and changed countless lives.