Quinkan
NGARRA’s Uganda Village project is a community-based initiative aimed at empowering youth in a remote village in Uganda through the transformative power of photography and storytelling.
In the heart of Guatemala, cradled by ancient volcanoes, lies Lake Atitlán—a place where the sky meets the water and whispers of the past echo in every ripple. This lake is more than just a body of water; it is a living entity, a sacred being in the eyes of the Mayan people who have called its shores home for centuries. To them, Atitlán is not merely a lake but a guardian spirit, a source of life, wisdom, and sustenance, watched over by the volcanoes that rise like sentinels above its deep, blue expanse.
According to the lore passed down through generations, Lake Atitlán is believed to be a portal to the ancient world, where the ancestors still speak through the wind that sweeps across the water and the flames that flicker in the heart of the volcanoes. The Mayan people tell stories of Mukta Tu’ul, the great water spirit who resides within the lake, blessing it with life-giving energy. It is said that Mukta Tu’ul speaks in the language of water, communicating through the waves, the rain, and the mist, urging those who live by the lake to honor and protect it, for the wellbeing of the lake is intertwined with the wellbeing of its people.
Varanasi, the eternal city on the banks of the Ganges, is a place where life and death walk side by side, where the air is thick with the scent of incense, and the ghats hum with the prayers of millions. To grow up here is to grow up in a place where the cycle of life is on full display—where every sunrise over the river brings with it new beginnings, and every sunset marks the end of another chapter. It is a city of contrasts, of sacred rituals and chaotic streets, where tradition and modernity collide in vibrant harmony.
Over several days, we immersed ourselves in this ancient city with a group of children who called its narrow lanes and bustling ghats their playground. Some were friends of the family I was staying with, others were curious faces who appeared with each passing day, eager to try their hand at photography. The camera became more than just a tool—it became a shared experience, something that brought us all together despite our different worlds. The kids, many of whom had never held a camera before, found joy in capturing the city they knew so well, yet saw through a new lens.
The Importance of Place: Varanasi’s Teachings
Growing up in Varanasi instills a deep sense of connection—not just to the city but to something greater. The Ganges River is more than water; it is life, salvation, and sustenance. For the children, this sacred river flows through their daily lives, and their photos reflected the reverence they hold for it. They showed me the importance of place in their culture—that every stone step leading down to the water has its own story, every face at the ghats a part of the greater tapestry of life. In their photos, they captured moments of people bathing in the Ganges, not just as a ritual, but as an act of renewal—a metaphor for the city itself, constantly evolving, always alive.
The Power of Coming Together
As the days went by, the project became less about the individual and more about the collective. New faces appeared each day—children who had heard about the project and wanted a chance to be part of it. They shared the cameras without hesitation, teaching each other how to frame a shot, how to find the best light, how to capture the emotion of the moment. This act of sharing became a powerful reminder that the lessons of Varanasi aren’t just about the river or the temples, but about people coming together. In this city, where life and death meet in harmony, there is a deep understanding that we are all connected, that we are all part of something greater than ourselves.
The children embodied this lesson without even realizing it. They were patient with one another, laughing when a shot didn’t turn out right, cheering when someone captured something beautiful. In a place as complex and overwhelming as Varanasi, where the weight of history and faith can feel heavy, these children showed me that the lightness of coming together, of supporting one another, is what makes the city’s pulse beat strong.
Equal in the Eyes of the City
One of the most profound lessons I learned from these children was the deep-rooted sense of equality they carried with them. Varanasi, for all its chaos and complexity, is a place that teaches you that everyone is on the same path—whether you are a sadhu meditating by the river or a child playing cricket in the dusty streets, the city embraces you all the same. The kids reflected this belief in their interactions with one another. There was no competition, no hierarchy—just a shared joy in discovering their city anew through the camera.
This lesson of equality is embedded in the very soul of Varanasi. The children’s photos captured not just the iconic landmarks
This project goes beyond simply capturing the beauty and spirit of Varanasi—it serves as a powerful bridge between tradition and progress, empowering the children of this ancient city to tell their own stories through a new lens. In a place where the cycles of life and death are deeply intertwined, these young photographers offer fresh perspectives on what it means to grow up in one of the world’s oldest cities. But this project is about more than just photography. Every photo sold directly contributes to creating tangible change: supporting education, providing creative resources, and uplifting the community as a whole. It is a way of honoring the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi while also investing in its future, ensuring that the next generation has the tools and opportunities they need to rise, learn, and thrive. Through this work, we are not just preserving memories of the past—we are building a foundation for hope, growth, and transformation in the years to come.”
The we did in Atitlan is more than just a celebration of the lives and stories of the people who call this place home—it’s also a commitment to preserving both the cultural heritage and natural environment that make this region so special. By showcasing the beauty and vibrancy of life around Lake Atitlán, we hope to raise awareness and funds to support two critical initiatives: the cleanup of the lake and the establishment of a cultural fund.
Environmental Stewardship: Cleaning Up Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán, often described as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, faces serious environmental challenges. Pollution from runoff, waste, and the growing impact of tourism have put its delicate ecosystem at risk. By raising funds through the sale of photographs, we aim to support local organizations dedicated to cleaning up the lake, reducing pollution, and implementing sustainable practices that protect the water and the surrounding communities. These efforts will ensure that the lake remains a vibrant and life-giving force for generations to come, preserving its crystal-clear waters and the rich biodiversity that depends on it.
Cultural Fund: Preserving and Promoting Mayan Traditions
The cultural heritage of the communities around Lake Atitlán is deeply rooted in Mayan traditions, storytelling, and art. To honor and support this heritage, a portion of the funds raised will go towards establishing a cultural fund. This fund will support local artists, storytellers, and cultural practitioners in sharing their knowledge and skills with the younger generation. It will also provide resources for community events, workshops, and educational programs that celebrate Mayan culture, ensuring that these traditions continue to thrive.
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NGARRA’s Uganda Village project is a community-based initiative aimed at empowering youth in a remote village in Uganda through the transformative power of photography and storytelling.