A year has passed since the devastating earthquake hit this island nation. Dog Meets World today shares earlier pictures of kids, which were for almost all their very first photographs. It is our hope that the Haitian children and young people can “see their potential” more clearly in their pictures. Haiti needs their indomitable spirits, energy, hard work and tenacity to move forward. It reminds us all to stay involved and help.

PhoDOGrapher Joanelle Mulrain writes:

A picture is worth a thousand words.
And now more than a thousand smiles.

Since the genesis of Dog Meets World in October 2008, this global photo diplomacy project has been embraced by more than 150 phoDOGraphers (volunteer photographers), who have distributed over 5,000 to children (adults) many of whom have never seen a picture of their beautiful faces before. In 37 countries, this humble program continues to spread diplomacy worldwide and be a bridge of peace from Niger to Panama, Ghana to India, and now from Jamaica to Tibet. Starting with a single “click” – truly the power of one photograph transcends hatred and racial unrest as well as poverty and neglect, and it can bring to some real affirmation and a smile.

This is the global goal of Dog Meets World…the journey of our little ambassador dog setting the stage for a child’s first photo – it touches the hearts of children around the world and enhances self-esteem and character while bringing smiles of happiness and a permanent memory!

Haitian Phodographer Denis Oswald in Haiti, Summer 2009

Denis was the translator for the Dog Meets World photo tour in Haiti in April 2009. Denis was so enthusiastic that he asked if he could continue the project by himself after we left. Denis has since traveled to remote areas outside of Port-au-Prince and taken over 100 pictures. For almost all recipients this was their first photograph and many dressed up to look their best!

Phodographer Leah Hudson in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, April 2009

It’s funny to note the touch of American influence in far flung areas of the world…. like the Harvard T-shirt this child was wearing. Dog Meet World wants everyone to influence others with personal affirmation through photography.

Michelle Obama said during the commencement address for George Washington University “know that when you serve others abroad, you’re serving our country, too. You’re showing the world the true face of America –- our generosity, our strength, the enduring power of our ideals, the infinite reservoir of our hope.”

Happy Birthday America.

“Merci, merci” was the refrain heard when volunteers with Dog Meets World took and printed up pictures for the entire school in Ibo Beach, supported by Haiti Outreach Ministries, along the coast about an hour from Port-au-Prince. Most of the students had never had a photo of themselves and for sure not in their school uniforms. We in the USA take for granted our access to documenting our lives in photos.

It is the ardent hope of Dog Meets World that by seeing themselves in a beautiful photograph, the students will see their potential more clearly.

While on a Dog Meets World photo tour in Haiti last year, we strolled along this beach near Lacul. We came upon women washing clothes and ask them if they’d like their photos taken. This mom was completely delighted to have her daughter’s first photograph ever. It was fun capturing and sharing this joyful moment between mother and daughter.

Fortunately this school at Ibo Beach, an hour’s drive from Port-au-Prince was not affected by the earthquake in Haiti last month. Dog Meets World phodographers took first pictures (while on a DMW photo tour last year) printed them on the spot and handed them out for the entire student body. The reactions ranged from happy gratitude to hurrying away to go show their mothers!

Today’s Washington Post told the story of a rising singer Esceline Belcombe from Haiti now living in a improvised tent city after the earthquake destroyed her home. She paid to have someone sift through the rubble for valuables and scattered around are her priceless photographs. Dog Meets World aims to put a photo in the hands of all children/families in need to create their personal artifacts. Volunteer and help connect cultures through photography.

See what remains of the beautiful turquoise walls of this church compound in Cite Soleil after the devastating earthquake last month. Among all the endless immediate needs, the need to rebuild schools and educate will loom as well. Pictures capture memories of happier times. Dog Meets World volunteers took and printed over 700 pictures last April, most to first time recipients. Help Haiti restore and rebuild.

It really does….the photo allows anyone to be seen….without even being present!