About Us
About the Project
For over three decades, Fotokids has proven that creativity can break cycles of poverty and violence. We turn dreams into skills and stories into opportunities, empowering young voices to build a brighter future.
¡Changing Lives, Capturing Dreams for More than 30 Years!
Our mission is to empower young people facing poverty and crime by providing socio-emotional training in media arts and vocational skills. This gives them a competitive advantage, ensuring they secure employment upon graduation.
"I discovered that there was a different way to express myself." — Evelyn Mansilla, former student and current Executive Director.
1991August 24, 1991The Birth of a Dream: Out of the DumpThe organization was founded in Guatemala by photojournalist Nancy McGirr. Initially named Out of the Dump , the project started by giving cameras to children living around the Zone 3 garbage dump , beginning the transformation through visual storytelling.
- September 12, 1991First Global Voice and Literary Recognition1991
The creation and publication of a children's book, Out of the Dump, featuring photographs and writings by the children of Guatemala , brought international attention. This early achievement demonstrated the power of the students' voice and vision.
2011December 24, 2011Program Expansion and ReplicationFotokids solidified its holistic model and expanded its projects beyond Guatemala. This included empowering girls through a specialized three-year program and providing environmental education in the jungles of Honduras.
- September 12, 2025The Legacy: Second-Generation Leadership2025
The organization celebrated over three decades of success, proving its model works by fostering new leadership. Former student Evelyn Mansilla ascended to the role of Executive Director , demonstrating the powerful ripple effect of transformation.
The Fotokids program is a proven model for social transformation that addresses the needs of at-risk youth by offering a holistic advantage. We provide intensive vocational training in media arts—including photography, design, and digital technology—skills that guarantee our students secure employment and a competitive edge in the job market.
Beyond technical skills, we offer full academic scholarships from primary school through university, ensuring long-term educational continuity and safety. This comprehensive approach allows students to gain real-world experience and become self-sufficient, turning their creative talent into a stable career and effectively breaking the generational cycle of poverty.
Explore Further lRS Filings & Financials
Support the next 30 years of transformation. Your donation funds a scholarship and provides the technology and mentorship that changes a child’s destiny.
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