Recently, we tried something new at one of our CarePoints. We handed out a few disposable cameras and invited the children to capture moments from their day. Our hope was simple: to see the CarePoint through their eyes.

None of the children had used a disposable camera before, so there was a small learning curve, but after a quick explanation, they quickly got the hang of it. Soon they were moving around the CarePoint with excitement — taking photos of friends playing soccer, the meal line, their favorite classroom corners, and little details that caught their eye. Some even experimented with creative angles and unique shots.

When we returned to the U.S. and developed the film, we couldn’t wait to see what they captured. The photos amazed us. They showed the CarePoint and our programs in a whole new light — through the eyes of the very children we serve. These weren’t just pictures; they were glimpses into daily life, friendships, and moments of joy we might otherwise never have seen.

We sent the digitized photos back to the CarePoint so the children could see their work. As they flipped through their images, the room filled with laughter and pointing fingers — “That’s me!” “That’s my friend!” It was more than just seeing photos; it was seeing themselves and their community reflected back with value and joy.

We also printed copies for the children to keep and take home — a rare and meaningful gift for kids who don’t often have photos of themselves.

What began as a simple project became something much bigger: a chance for the children to learn a new skill, express themselves creatively, and share their perspective with all of us. We’re grateful for opportunities like this that allow us to listen to and learn from the children we serve — and for the supporters who make experiences like this possible.