Marines Need Instant Cameras and Film to Build Positive Relations
Instant photos help win hearts and minds in Nawa, Afghanistan.The Marines use instant photos as an opportunity for positive interaction with local people in Nawa, Afghanistan. This builds closer, more positive relations and makes the Marines safer and more successful. Lt. Mike Kuiper says, “Taking pictures of kids has helped them not be afraid of us, and shows we are friends. Winning over the kids makes us much more approachable by the adults too."
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Why Instant Photos Help the Marines
1st Lieutenant Mike Kuiper emailed us to explain: "The Polaroid cameras help start conversations with locals, that lead to relationships. I included some pictures in the previous mail to show the successes we are having. Notice how happy the people are to have a picture of themselves or their families. With an average salary of $5.00 a day, most famiies can’t afford a picture of anyone in the family. They love getting pictures of themselves, and have learned to come up and ask for “atkas” or “picture” in Pashto. Taking pictures of kids has helped them not be afraid of us, and shows we are friends. Winning over the kids makes us much more approachable by the adults too."
Photo credits: Staff Sgt. William Greeson, US Marine Corps
Use of funds
100% of your donation will be used only to buy instant cameras and film – first to meet the needs of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines noted above and then to meet requests of other U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan. If your donation is not needed to buy cameras or film, you will be offered a refund. We are a 501c3 nonprofit charity and your donation is tax deductible.
