Photographic access was restricted in Cuba for 22 years until 1990. In June 2011, for perhaps the first time in the history of the nation, children were given cameras to document their lives.

Cuba remains the world’s oldest communist state. The 1959 Revolution brought many changes for the Cuban people that bred a generation of children born on an island that has become isolated from the outside world and all of its modern thought and technology.

The 100cameras team launched the project in Havana at a pivotal point during this Revolution. Our photography curriculum was taught to a group of children living in the Havana suburb of Alamar. Our goal was to give them the opportunity to document the effects that communism has had on a generation born into a closed society.

Through photography, 100cameras has built a bridge that connects the children’s voices and perspectives with the world outside their borders.

The cameras given to these children provided them with ownership and the power to speak through their photos. With cameras in hand, the children became the story tellers. Their voices have become the narrative of each photo created.  And it is through this bridge that their photos have increased connectivity, exchange and value to not just the Cuban community, but to everyone who views their photos around the world.

But the work is not done here.

With the children’s photos, we have developed a politically independent platform that enables these children to benefit from the sale of their photos. Thus, empowering them to create their own future.

Through our relationship with Global Baseball, a program that utilizes baseball to engage youth and teach them valuable life skills, 100cameras partnered with the independent, non-partisan, Spain based organization, Campo Amor, to best serve the children’s community.

The mission of Campo Amor is to provide intermediary services to encourage community development, benefiting those who have been financially, socially and culturally excluded from society. This is primarily accomplished through the education of available public services, medical aide, provision of humanitarian goods, the coordination of disaster relief efforts, small business leadership workshops, and entrepreneurial training.

When you purchase one of the children's photos, 100% of your money will be given to Campo Amor to build a community center that will be the central hub for their mission in Cuba. This community center will become the gathering place for over 2,000 children in the community, serving their practical needs while also instilling quality character and values in them.

Follow us on facebook and twitter for updates on Campo Amor's work within the community and ways that you can join the 100cameras partnership. And the photo exhibition will continue to be on display at fundraisers around the country.  Stay tuned for locations, dates and volunteer needs.

100cameras is a non-political organization that promotes connectivity and encourages expression among children in developing communities. Activities conducted in Cuba and remittances to Campo Amor are compliant with US law, including Office of Foreign Assets Control regulations.