Asian_Geographic_Issue_4_2017

CHRISTINE HOGG is a freelance journalist

and editor at Photographers Without Borders,

a volunteer-run, not-for-profit outfit devoted

to amplifying the initiatives of grassroots

organisations worldwide through volunteer

photography, video, and marketing tools.

MAGGIE SVOBODA is a freelance

photographer who participated in a

two-week workshop in Jordan with

Photographers Without Borders. The

organisation has supported more than

100 projects in 27 countries to date.

bElow A young boy walks

along the wall before a military

checkpoint to enter into Israel

from Ramallah

lEft A view of the Dome of the

Rock in Jerusalem as seen from

the Mount of Olives

Since 2001, Seeds of Peace has

been working in South Asia to inspire

and cultivate exceptional leaders in

Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan.

“Our longest-running programmes

in South Asia are the interfaith camps

that bring together teenagers of various

religious communities to explore the

differences and similarities in their

beliefs, and to dispel misconceptions

and stereotypes,” Kapenga says. “We

currently have over 500 alumni from

India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Thousands more have participated

in, or benefitted from, our local

programmes on the ground in the three

countries. Our alumni are actively

working to transform conflict in and

between their countries, leading

initiatives in education, media,

business, and other sectors that

leverage their unique relationships and

skills to create economic, social, and

political change.”

Developments in social media

and the rise of citizen journalism

has cultivated a far-reaching

digital network that allows cultural

demographics all over the world to

digest content. No longer suspended

in an insulated bubble, nations caught

in the midst of political conflict are

thrust into the spotlight, and anybody

can access information and interact

through these online channels.

Individuals who may have never

come into contact because of political

circumstances can now take part in

discussions over the Internet, too.

That being said, face-to-face

dialogue remains important. As

such, Seeds of Peace has recognised

the value of actively mobilising a

younger generation who are ready to

change deeply ingrained attitudes

and perceptions so that hatred and

ignorance does not continue to

take root.

By developing leaders who can

make a positive impact in their

communities, the hope is that

the next generation will instigate

transformation within their country –

towards peaceful resolution. ag