FOCUS
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FOCUS provides the resources for children of different countries to express their view of society through the medium of photography. It aims at exposing life in these countries by giving locals the opportunity to visually show aspects of their daily lives. Through these photographs, Americans will be able to have a different perspective on life outside the U.S and become more culturally aware. FOCUS will distribute these photographs through a weekly blog, a published book with compilations of the children’s photographs and personal journal entries, prints for purchase, and showcasing the photographs in different organizations within Washington, DC. FOCUS’ proceeds will be used to continue the program and help sustain public education in participating foreign schools.
The Problem
In the United States, the media’s goal of objectivity limits the cultural exposure to the American public. When the media informs citizens of foreign events they do not take into consideration the point of views of locals being affected. American societies have limited resources and don’t have the opportunity to become culturally aware. The lack of information creates misunderstandings, such as stereotypes and prejudices, creating a disconnected global community.
Our Solution
FOCUS: Fixing Our Cultural Understanding of Societies FOCUS believes children are the future storytellers of the world. FOCUS works with public schools overseas to provide a photography course for students ages 9 to 15 by exposing them to the power that lies within photography and how it can empower them to express their views and opinions. Participating students will be provided with the resources (cameras, film, and journals) to begin documenting their experiences and perspectives, where FOCUS members will assist by offering basic guidelines and mentorship. FOCUS will encourage students to reflect on different issues and release their ideas in their personal journals. The journals and photographs will then be taken back to the United States and made available to the public through its website, www.acquirefocus.com, in weekly blog posts and on an online store. In addition, FOCUS aims at partnering with different organizations within Washington, DC that aim at encouraging diversity, public welfare, and the arts. FOCUS will base its success through the purchase of photographs, exhibit interest, and internet activity on its blog. Every time we flip a page in a magazine, we are hoping that photographers can set aside their opinions and provide us the truth. We give them the responsibility to document different cultures with the intention of informing the reader. The nature of FOCUS’ structure gives children the encouragement and drive to share their story, rather than selling us a story. FOCUS’ product is uncensored, raw, and reflects a child’s own original product. FOCUS acts as a middle agent between locals and the United States, offering different venues to display their perspectives.
Our Story & Why You Should Support Us
The FOCUS team consists of two members: Diana Alvarenga and Julia Bellotti. We are two entrepreneurs that strongly believe in the importance of social good. We met through our social entrepreneur club, Compass Fellows and decided to team up based on our passion for children, the arts, and culture. Diana is an Accounting and Finance student at the Kogod School of Business, while Julia is an International Studies major in the School for International Service. Together, both of us bring our academic backgrounds and love for cultures and people into one venture: FOCUS!