Creative Corners - Our Work - Photographers, Journalists and Creative People needed for Street Newspaper

Photographers, Journalists and Creative People needed for Street Newspaper

Photographers, Journalists and Creative People needed for Street Newspaper June 20, 2007

Project

An exciting new alternative arts and culture newspaper for shoe shine boys in La Paz currently wishes to receive volunteers to help them run the paper and move it forward.

They have printed 9 editions of the paper so far. They don't have print deadlines but print approximately every 8-10 weeks if they have raised enough money. To print 4000 papers costs US$700.

There are about 4000 boys shining shoes on the streets of La Paz and at the moment they have 50-100 of these boys working with them selling the papers. The boys collect the papers from an arts centre in La Paz and are able to sell the papers on the street. This supports the small income they make from shining shoes.

The papers sell for 3 bolivianos about .20p and many of them are sold to university students. The stories are based around arts and culture, education and free software.

Why we need you

The paper is keen to receive volunteers including photographers, writers and designers to assist them. While working on the paper you will also gain valuable work experience as well as the chance of having your stories and photos published.

They are currently organising an office for volunteers to work out of and collaborate on projects.

As well as working on the paper you will have the opportunity to run photography workshops with the boys and pass on your skills. You may also wish to run film making workshops, drumming or other creative activities. Other possibilities include:

• Filming your own documentary about the boys and the project

• Organise an exhibition to display photos from the paper or photos taken by the boys in your time there

• Run fund-raising activities

• Assist in finding funding/sponsorship for the paper

• Paint a mural with the boys

• Run hip-hop classes

• Assist with ideas on their next project - setting up a radio station!

Price

• £600 for 2 months £150 for each additional month

• £520 for up to one month

What’s included

• Airport collection

• Organised and personally visited accommodation in a family home stay in La Paz.

• Breakfast

• Comprehensive Travel insurance

• Quality pre-departure information, visa advice

Skills needed

• Basic Spanish required or be willing to learn before you go!

• Photography or Journalism experience

• Ability to relate to teenagers and youth working and living in difficult situations.

• Be able to work independently without supervision.

• Initiative, flexibility and enthusiasm.