Photo Book Information
The forthcoming photo book project spearheaded by Don Odom promises to be a captivating visual journey, offering a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of life within St. Mary’s Parish and its associated institutions in Northeastern Zambia. Drawing upon his years of experience in documentary photography and youth work, Don Odom brings a keen eye for storytelling and a deep appreciation for the human spirit to this endeavor. Through a lens, he will capture the essence of St. Mary’s School for the Visually Impaired, K-12 equivalency schools, vocational training centers, and the Kacema Musuma orphanage, showcasing the resilience, determination, and joy that define these communities.
During the project, Don Odom, will be hosted at the convent nestled within St. Mary’s Parish. This unique opportunity allows him to immerse fully in the daily life and rhythms of the community in Kawambwa, Zambia fostering genuine connections and understanding. By residing on-site, he can capture authentic moments and stories, ensuring that the resulting photo book not only serves as a testament to the remarkable work being done but also as a catalyst for positive change and support for the ongoing initiatives of St. Mary’s Parish.
St. Mary’s Parish
St. Mary's Parish is a beacon of hope and community in its region, offering a diverse range of educational and vocational opportunities. At the heart of its educational efforts is a specialized school catering to the visually impaired, providing tailored support to empower students in their academic journey. Alongside this, St. Mary's runs vocational schools focused on equipping students with practical skills in tailoring and clothing design, carpentry, and culinary arts, fostering self-sufficiency and empowerment resulting in greater youth employment opportunities.
Beyond their specialized educational endeavors, St. Mary's Parish also hosts K-12 equivalency schools, providing comprehensive education to students of all backgrounds and abilities. These institutions prioritize holistic development, nurturing students academically, socially, and spiritually. Furthermore, within the parish's compassionate embrace lies the Kacema Musuma orphanage, a sanctuary for dozens of youth who call it home. Through collective efforts and unwavering dedication, St. Mary's Parish, staff and its associated institutions embody a commitment to uplifting communities and fostering a brighter future for all.
How Can You Help?
We are reaching out to you, our valued community members, for support in bringing this meaningful project to fruition. There are several ways you can contribute to our efforts. Firstly, by sharing news of this project on your social media platforms, you help us reach a wider audience and raise awareness about the vital work being done at St. Mary’s Parish and its affiliated institutions. Additionally, spreading the word to your friends and family members amplifies our impact and fosters a sense of collective involvement in supporting these communities.
Moreover, consider extending an invitation to Don Odom to speak at an event, church gathering, or organization meeting. His firsthand experiences and captivating storytelling will not only shed light on the project but also inspire others to get involved and make a difference. Lastly, direct financial contributions are immensely valuable and will be allocated towards essential expenses such as air and ground travel, equipment costs, and print production. Rest assured that any unused funds will be transparently transferred directly to St. Mary’s Parish, ensuring that every dollar contributes to their ongoing mission of empowerment and support. Your generosity and support are invaluable in making this project a reality and positively impacting the lives of those within St. Mary’s community and beyond.
