My name is Ryan LeCluyse. I’m one of seven Fellows selected to take a three-month journey to eastern Africa. My project, Under the Tree, will be a collection of film, photography, and writing following Mama Hope’s collective impact. By capturing projects ranging from farms to schools, in communities from Kisumu to Budondo, I hope to provide an intimate view into a small-scale localized approach to development.
Embedded and invested in communities across Africa, Mama Hope collaborates with local organizations to build projects as diverse as schools, clinics, and clean water systems.
As a photographer, illustrator, researcher, and graphic designer, I’ve learned a good story should simply be a reflecting pool for its audience; it can reveal our own experiences, aspirations, and even biases. In that way, storytelling has the power to bridge contexts, inspire compassion, and in turn, expand global community.
Watch Ryan’s thesis documentary
Spreading stories of success in development will make as much of a difference in mentality abroad as Mama Hope does on the ground; leading to more volunteers and donors who make these life changing projects possible.
To create and spread this project, I’ve committed to raising $10,000. Any donation big or small will go straight to this project and is 100% tax deductible.
$10,000 =
Cameras, hard drives, lenses, cases, and mics
+ $4,000
Daily local commuting & between projects
+ $1,000
Editing, design, marketing & engineering
+ $5,000
What would fundraising be without cool perks, you ask? I am currently working on a series of tiered donation rewards which will be available at the end of the project — late April.
*Each level after includes this perk!
Email updates & a blog shoutout!*
Personal email from Africa
Postcard from Africa* Limit 50
Thank you credit for Under the Tree*
Screenprinted Rubberband notebook Limit 100
Screenprinted canvas tote Limit 50
*Each level after includes this perk!