A difficult task. The reality of work in Africa is that it still just that, work. I imagined spending entire weekends walking or traveling with my camera, documenting all of the things I find so captivating about this place. Instead, I think I have spent 80% of my weekends working.
This is unfortunate, but at the same time it has been more than necessary. The scope of the project is so large, and our team and the time we have to complete our project so small that I don't think this could have happened any other way.
I cannot wait to return to this continent when I have more time to truly indulge in my photography.
But of the hundreds of photo opportunities I expected to have during my time here, I was recently presented with one I never expected. The First Microfinance Bank opened in Pemba this past weekend, a project developed by the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance, and the first of its kind in Mozambique. I was asked to do the photography for the event.
In addition to the presence of various higher ups in the Aga Khan Development Network, I received word that the President of Mozambique would be leading the inauguration ceremony! I was the only photographer, (not that there were that many), that was given more or less carte blanche to go wherever I needed and get as close to the president as his security would allow.
So.....I'll let the photos tell their own story
The president is wearing the blue shirt
It was amazing to watch the hubub that ensued before the President's arrival, not to mention to general chaos that surrounded his tour of the Microfinance Bank. All in all, it was a truly fascinating experience, albeit a bit stressful.
More than anything else I appreciated his participation in the ceremony because the opening of this bank was a truly important day for a lot of local people who until now were unable to get loans for small, but critical financial resources.
