Jason Ashwood "The Line" / Uganda

Jason Ashwood is a London based photographer with a particular interest in black and white portraiture and documentary. Jason also adapts this style to both portfolio and headshot photography for individual clients and agencies. He also retains a broad interest in photography through corporate and personal artwork commissions, as well as personal projects, and has a strong interest in working with dancers.

published by courtesy of Jason Ashwood / London / www.ashwoodphotography.co.uk

"The Line" is a slum area in Kajjansi, Uganda, where the lucky live on a subsistence level. Children depend on food, education and mentoring for any hope of a future. Ten years ago Winnie Sseruma founded the "Bridging A Gap Community Initiative" (BAGCI) in a hut in ‘The Line’. Galvanising local support, BAGCI started to feed 20 children so they had enough energy to attend school and perhaps develop an education.
A decade on BAGCI has an established committee, a permanent structure and over 140 slum children benefit from a high energy breakfast, schooling and mentoring. Children who have built lives and have hope of a future. Children for who BAGCI is a lifeline.

This is a day in the life of BAGCI...

A crowded and sprawling slum, 'The Line' is home to a community that lost all its employment opportunities over a decade ago following the closure of local brick factories. The subsequent decline impacted on all those who lived there, as well as its future generations.
© Jason Ashwood
A New Home: Ten years on and BAGCI has saved enough to build its first permanent structure. Without water or electricity at this stage, the structure nevertheless gives a much improved centre for breakfast. It's ambition is to create a first floor homework facility with electricity so children can study after dark.
© Jason Ashwood
The Foundation: Cooked over a charcoal stove well before dawn every school day, this high sustenance porridge is the meal children would not otherwise have. Giving them the energy for the day enables them to attend school and concentrate, and develop healthier bodies and minds. It costs a mere £111.00 to feed all the children for six weeks; an £111 that is extremely hard to come by in Kajjansi.
© Jason Ashwood
The Contract: BAGCI co-ordinator Raymond Galiwaray checks homework with one young girl after breakfast. Progress with studies is a key component part of being a BAGCI child.
© Jason Ashwood
The Headmaster: A local headmaster discusses the role BAGCI and local schools have together. The dual role between BAGCI's breakfasts and mentoring, and education in schools, is vital to the overall
success of the project.
© Jason Ashwood
The beneficiaries: A decade on and BAGCI feeds and supports over 140 slum children, enabling children to develop an education, and a future.
© Jason Ashwood
The Future? BAGCI is currently saving donations to build a first floor homework facility and install water and electricity. Here, Raymond
discusses the future at sunrise with contractors.© Jason Ashwood

You are most welcome to support and donate BAGCI. If you would like to do so, please conctact Jason Ashwood via
ashwood.photography (att) virginmedia.com

Jason Ashwood "The Line" / Uganda

Folgen Sie uns