Testimonials

NGOS:

“For Agros International as an development organization, partnering with SalaamGarage did require a significant commitment, fortunately the return-on-investment is more than significant.  The process for us was highly collaborative and informative.  Agros already has a program for connecting partners with the people we work with in Latin America, integrating SalaamGarage’s unique approach to citizen journalism into our model was interesting and yet we found them [the citizen journalists] to be willing and adaptable, open to our insights, as well as insightful with their perspectives.   Even with the collaborative trip behind us, it seems the journey has only just begun as we celebrate the creative, professional, and compelling results and look forward to further sharing of the Agros story via the work and art of the SalaamGarage partner/participants.  To any NGO on the fence about a potential collaboration, if the bandwidth is available, I highly recommend partnering with SalaamGarage without reservation.”
Nathan Hawkins, Service Team Program Manager: Agros International

“It was particularly impressive to observe how Amanda [SalaamGarage founder and leader] demonstrated a natural respect, acceptance and understanding of an entirely new world, so different than that of hers in the West.  All the time that they were  here, it never occurred to any of us that there were outsiders in the premises. As they moved about and interacted with staff, they conducted themselves so easily with the women we work with, and children who live with us.  That was very impressive.

To me, the most unique aspect of the work that SalaamGarage is doing through photography [and media] is how they have transformed a skill into a mission to address such larger and deeper issues of our world.  SalaamGarage going to different countries to find out where the need is and how they can contribute in fulfilling those needs is a remarkable mission. Their ability to invest with a long-term vision in mind, the empathy with which they think and operate and her [the leaders] amazing quality of listening touched and impressed everyone at Vatsalya.”
Jaimala Gupta, Executive director and founder: Vatsalya

“When I was working with NGOs overseas we had some photographers come out to visit our projects, but it always seemed that their visit could have made a lot more impact both in-country and back in the USA. But what’s different with the concept of SalaamGarage, is now the combination of messages and images have the chance to resonate with a much wider audience and bring attention to underserved populations around the world.”
Adam Sirois, Coordinator of the Office of Global Health at the New York University College of Nursing / Former Country Director, International Medical Corps

PAST TRAVELERS:

“ … I went with them [SalaamGarage] to Ethiopia last year and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I was able to get two young woman back home to their villages after having fistula surgery at the Hamlin Fistula hospital in Addis Ababa. The story was a great success and managed to raise both money and awareness about obstetric fistula. It was seen by well over 2 thousand  people online. The experiences were life changing, both for me and the people involved. Here are some links to the Ethiopia project including a video, photos and my blog from that time.”
David Goldman, NYC. Ethiopia 2010 (click: David’s photos from the trip)

“My trip to India with SalaamGarage in 2009 led me on a path of knowing myself as a photographer and storyteller. Thanks to SalaamGarage’s mission, I was able to have an experience with the women of Vatsalya’s Women’s Empowerment Group in Shampura Village, in a way that validated for me the power of authentic connection and the fundamental truth that we really are all the same. I’ve since used the portraits and stories of those I met on that trip to raise awareness, generate compassion, and, hopefully to inspire others to find their own paths toward greater freedom, and full expression, in their lives.”
 Lisa Field Elliot, Santa Barbara. India 2009 (click: Lisa’s photos from the trip)

“The trip of a lifetime!”
Janat Horn, NYC. Vietnam 2010“SalaamGarage’s trip to Guatemala this summer the best thing that I did this year. I have been searching for a meaningful way to be involved with organizations who are making a difference in the world- and what better way than to incorporate my career of photography?”

“Amazing! My first trip/NGO experience- I truly felt like I was a real photojournalist trying to tell a story visually, and the interaction firsthand was appreciated.”

“Truly perfect- good amount of time in each location, time to decompress, and travel days were always well planned- ample time to adjust to each new location.”
Mira Zaki, NYC. Guatemala 2010 (click: Mira’s photos from the trip)

“I loved being with “young” people who are exploring the world, expanding their careers, and living a media/technical world that is new and strange to my generation. Their energy almost wore me out, but it was worth it.”  (Note Grandma Phebe is over 80 yeas old!)
Phebe Sorensen, CA. Guatemala 2010

“Fantastic [leader]- very objective, helpful, and simultaneously personal.”
Mira Zaki, NYC. Guatemala 2010

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011 at 5:39 pm. It is filed under Resources, SalaamGarage News and tagged with , . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.