Building a Culture of Peace

Cameras for Healing introduces the concept of "Visual Art" as a philosophy of

healing. The project brings together victims of post-war trauma and gives each

participant a camera. The cameras act as a therapeutic tool, empowering the

individuals with their own instrument of communication and enabling self-expression.

Photographer Maurice Henri believes that the camera and the art of photography

as a philosophy of healing can help build a culture of peace in Sierra Leone,

Africa. The process of healing after an armed conflict is difficult and, of all the

injuries, the effects of emotional trauma are the most insidious and difficult to

deal with.

Henri wants Sierra Leone's teens and young adults to look past their frightening

experiences through the lens of a camera. He is teaching them how to see the

world around them in a whole new light.