WorldPix Foundation

Great Expanse of Tanzania
Great Expanse of Tanzania, photo by Paul Lynch

In our recent trip to Tanzania, WorldPix visited one of our causes, Neema Village in Arusha.

While visiting, we learned how Neema Village’s is working to become more internally sustainable by growing some of their own food and starting a poultry section for egg production.
We also learned about a new project of theirs called Mothers Against Poverty (MAP). This project provides eligible mothers the opportunity to become self-sufficient through entrepreneurial activities which include education, training and technical technical assistance. The goal of this project is to assist woman in working their their way out of poverty and to avoid poverty driven child abandonment. 
Micheal Fortson, the co-founder of Neema Village, is also working on a project to better provide clean sustainable water for drinking and food preparation in the surrounding community. This area of Tanzania is often drought stricken and many people have to walk 10km or more to fetch water by hand.  In addition to the financial poverty, the lack of access to clean water is another reason mothers fear bringing up a child. 

As part of our trip, we made a financial donation as well as we donated this beautiful picture from one of the top Underwater Photographers in the world, Tanya Houppermans. Tanya is one of the talented photographers who has joined with WorldPix to make a difference in the lives of others.

Neema Village Receives WorldPix Artwork and Donation
Neema Village Receives WorldPix Artwork and Donation

We placed this picture in the house where the 2-5 year old orphans live. And just like we expected, the kids loved it! I told them, “my 3 year old LOVES sharks…I think yours will too”. Neema Village was started by a couple from Temple, Texas, Michael and Doris Fortson, with the vision to provide the very best for these forgotten kids. The stories of how they found some of the kids would break your heart. I am so proud to partner with them and hope to make a difference in the lives of these kids.

This is, without a doubt, the most incredible thing that has ever happened to me as a photographer. As part of their humanitarian work, WorldPix presented an orphanage in Tanzania with my sand tiger shark image ‘Taking Center Stage’ in a frame to hang on their wall. The young children loved the picture, and I can’t even put into words how meaningful it is to me for these beautiful children to be able to look at this picture and dream of the world waiting for them outside of the orphanage.

I have received many awards for my photography, but no award could ever top this. Thank you Ryan Plakonouris and Paul Lynch for inviting me to be a part of WorldPix, and for the work you do in making the world a better place.

Tanya Houppermans

Join WorldPix and Tanya in making a difference, make a contribution today.