Empowering Ukrainian Photojournalists: A Transformative Journey Begins

As I entered the virtual classroom filled with the passionate and committed awardees of the Ukrainian Photojournalism Scholarship Program, the atmosphere was charged with energy and excitement. Gathered for our first meeting, this group of fifteen individuals shared a common goal—to document and capture the stories of their country. As the organizer and educator of the program, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to equip these talented individuals with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of photojournalism.

Screenshot of the introductory class held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, with sixteen participants. Participants' names have been blurred for their safety and privacy.

Throughout the introductory session, I emphasized the significance of punctuality, active participation, and open dialogue. The diversity of experiences and aspirations within the group was truly inspiring. We had participants with backgrounds in documentary photography, sports photography, a…