Most of my time in Kenya was divided into three parts. Coursework, project work, and a short time on safari where
The coursework revolved around the building of sustained dialogue skills and presentations from some of our international photojournalist peers who have found success in the field and are working hard to change the narrative around their home. After meeting them, I must admit that I feel refreshed and inspired. Seeing and meeting people passionate about the same things that I am passionate about has only made me more focused in my work. So many of the guest lectures were incredibly
I am extremely proud of the work I was able to accomplish in Kenya. My work mainly revolved around a non-profit organization named “Voice of Dagoretti.” Voice of Dagoretti is a community-based organization dedicated to the advocacy of women's rights, women empowerment, the advancement of the education system and society of the people of Dagoretti and the reporting of Gender Based Violence. I spent my time with Voice attending and recording the community advocacy events they hosted. The events I attended consisted of a tree planting in a local primary school where over 100 trees were planted, the painting of a mural on a community wall which calls for the empowerment of women and a dance/ play performance in a local community market which advocated for an end to gender-based violence and encouraged reporting it when it happens.
We recorded Voice of Dagoretti with the intention of creating a short interview-style documentary. While working with them on a recording day, it was discovered that their website needed an update, which presented me with the opportunity to work and spend time redesigning their website.
Since my return I've been fortunate enough to receive a nomination for the Forum on Education Abroad Award for Academic Achievement Abroad. It’s an absolute honor to have been nominated, I never would have believed that I would have been able to have experienced any of this. I am a first-generation college student who never thought I would be able to go to college let alone go on a study abroad program on the other side of the world and hike on Mount Kenya.
My father came to this country with no one, homeless, after being a child soldier in the Salvadorian civil war. My mother moved here with her sisters as a teenager from Mexico. I feel incredibly fortunate to have made it this far. I'm proud of myself and I am incredibly thankful for your contribution to making this possible. Thank you for investing in me and my future, it means more to me than I could ever express.
Name: Jilmar Portillo
Status: Junior
Major: Digital Storytelling
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Program: Visual Storytelling in Kenya