Goma, DRC

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Since opening our first school in 2018, after two years of workshops, Lens on Life’s program in Eastern Congo has grown to serve students aged 13 to 24 through year-round courses. Despite ongoing conflict and instability, we carefully monitor the situation daily to ensure a safe and nurturing environment. Students who complete the full Lens on Life curriculum— which takes just over a year—are rewarded with a Canon DSLR camera to support their professional pursuits in photography, journalism, and storytelling. We also host exhibitions in partnership with the French Institute, where students showcase their work, and collaborate with local NGOs like the Eastern Congo Initiative to offer internships as staff photographers. Many graduates have gone on to achieve remarkable success, including working as journalists for The Washington Post and The New York Times. Through resilience, creativity, and community support, we are empowering young people in Goma to envision and build a brighter future despite the challenges they face. Watch the short film below to learn more about the program.