Nº 30

«Barack Obama was one of these disposed kids»

It all started here, at the funeral in the photo above, but it actually comes from long ago. Since the beginning of his career as a photographer in 1967, Steven Shames has shown a clear interest: the lives of disadvantaged, abandoned and poor children. His images are stunning documents which speak for themselves, and are part of permanent collections of institutions like the International Center of Photography in New York, or the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, to name a few. Nine years ago, Shames was in Uganda, working on a story of AIDS orphans, and photographed the funeral of a woman, who left five orphaned children behind. The youngest, just a few months old, was called Sarah. Steven Shames decided to take over the education of the little Sarah, her family, and later also of a dozen orphans from the village. He wanted them to attend the best schools in Africa. In 2004, his interest had grown to an unprecedented educational project: LEAD Uganda. Today, the lives of more than 70 children, including Sarah, have been transformed. Steven Shames tells us the details of this fascinating adventure in this interview.

Versión en español

KINDSEIN: What happens if the children don’t reach your expectations?

STEVEN SHAMES: A few of our students don’t do well in school. We promise our students they can graduate from high school. The students know that they may not go to university if they do not get a first grade. We treat them as we would our own children. They remain in our family, but they may be on their own once they graduate from high school. We offer some of them vocational training so they can support themselves. But that is not guaranteed. It depends on how hard they work and their attitude. Laziness is not encouraged.

We realize not every leader is academically gifted. One student Wasswa was failing academically. Yet, this young man is a gifted at photography, video, and writing. He is a wizard at computers. He sat down at my computer and taught himself Photoshop in one day. We sent him to a video school. I know he will be a known artist someday. Wasswa is charismatic and a leader. We look for our students talents and try to nurture their abilities. There are many ways to lead.

Another student, Jimmy, did not do well enough to get a government scholarship to college. He also wanted to work to help out his mom, who had no income and was in danger of being evicted from her home. He got a job in Dubai as a security guard. We loaned him money so he could go there. He goes to school in Dubai when he is not working. He is not only paying back the loan -- but despite his small salary he donates money to our program to help the other students.

KINDSEIN: What new projects do you have in mind?

STEVEN SHAMES: I have a book coming out this fall that contains my photos and the stories of LEAD Uganda students. It is called: I am a Leader Now, Star Bright Books is the publisher. I just had an exhibition at the Steven Kasher Gallery called “Childhood & Youth” . [Some of the photos can be seen here]

KINDSEIN: What have you learned from LEAD Uganda?

STEVEN SHAMES: I learned that anything is possible if you have the right plan and are willing to work hard.

KINDSEIN: Thank you, Steve, and good luck.

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Steven Shames is 62 years old and lives in Brooklyn, New York. He is divorced («But I remain best friends with Phyllis) and has a son, Joshua, 34 years old.  «I met a wonderful woman, Andrea, who I will marry soon.»

Stephen Shames Photography.

LEAD Uganda.

Stephen Shames Foundation.

Stephen Shames: Childhood and Youth. Exhibition at Steven Kasher Gallery, New York.