The World Through My Eyes
Photographs by young Mozambicans.
Project Leader
Blake Schmidt, Project Leader
An American from Portland, Oregon, Blake H. Schmidt served in the Peace Corps from 2001 to 2003 teaching English at the Agrarian School of Chókwè. His students, ages 13 to 23, had little opportunity to enjoy extra-curricular activities taken for granted by young Americans. Blake knows photography can provide enrichment and opportunity for young Mozambicans.
Blake studied photography at Principia College. He first came to Africa as a college senior when he traveled for six weeks with a class studying South Africa's history, media and literature. Blake led a group of photographers and ensured that they accurately documented the spirit, diversity and life of South Africa.
Blake's photographs have been published in newspapers, magazines and calendars. His photographic experience includes freelancing for newspapers and teaching photography to children. Blake feels privileged to be teaching young Mozambicans the useful skill of photography.
Living in Mozambique Blake has become fluent in Portuguese, helping him
integrate into his community. Mozambicans are welcoming and the landscapes are
beautiful, making photography enjoyable and relatively easy. Blake feels an
appreciation for photography could be fostered in Mozambique with time,
teaching and tools.
