In the summer of 2007, Laura Thies went to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as part of a course on Human Rights and Media. During her 4 weeks there, she met with countless NGOs,
as well as community leaders in different favelas across the city. Most of them worked with young people teaching them how to use the arts, especially video and photography to empower them by telling their stories to the world, and to get them off the streets. Watch her video and learn more about her work using participatory art and media in Brazil.
Xiomara left Venezuela in search of safety and opportunity for her children. After a difficult and dangerous journey, she found support in New York and the chance to rebuild her family’s future.
