Peacemaker Interview
- What does visual peacemaking mean to you?
Maybe I’m naive but I believe most prejudice comes from lack of information. Visual Peacemaking is a way to use photography to educate people about different cultures and help break down stereotypes.
- What motivates you to be a peacemaker?
I have been fortunate enough to travel a great deal. This has enabled me to learn about different cultures for my self. Visual Peacemaking allows me to share cultures with people who can’t experience them first hand.
- How does your camera get you to reflect on your world and your life?
When I am behind my camera, I become a witness to whatever is in front of my lens. I see it as an immense privilege and great responsibility to use my images to document people’s lives.
- Is there a particular group you feel is misunderstood or stereotyped that you’d like to document common humanity amongst?
I spent some time in a rural AIDS hospital in India that serves the Dalit - also known as “Untouchables”. Despite the clear prejudice against them, the hospitality they offered me was overwhelming and deeply humbling. This is definitely a group that deserves to be better understood.
- Do you have an idea worth sharing?
10 years ago I started The Kilgoris Project in western Kenya. Since then we have built 4 schools, started a women’s coop and created 2 cooperative farms.
For $3 per day I can hire a college educated teacher. Giving up my daily latte to give a classroom full of kids in Kenya a future - now that’s an idea!
My Biography
Jon McCormack is a humanitarian photographer who documents NGOs that work with rural poor in the developing world.
Along with his wife Caren, Jon co-founded The Kilgoris Project, a network of schools and community development projects in western Kenya. In the last 10 years the project has grown to include 4 schools, a tea farm, a maize farm, and a women’s craft cooperative.
My Recent Activity
- I added: Clean Water
to Photo Stories on July 25, 2010 - I added: Kilgoris, Kenya
to Galleries on July 24, 2010 - I added: India
to Galleries on July 23, 2010 - I added: Caring for Untouchables
to Documentaries on July 20, 2010 - I added: New Community Well in Western Kenya
to Documentaries on July 20, 2010
We're Social