Afghan children gather for a picture

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."

"The Polaroid cameras help start conversations with locals, that lead to relationships ... Taking pictures of kids has helped them not be afraid of us, and shows we are friends."

1st Lt. Mike Kuiper, U.S. Marine Corps

What does your donation buy?

• We are not currently seeking donations for this project. Click here to see projects where donations are needed.

Why Instant Photos Help the Marines

Marines Civil Affairs Captain Gus Biggio bought a Polaroid camera and film on eBay to build better relations between Marines and local people in Nawa. This worked really well (see email below) but film is expensive. We are helping Gus and his fellow Marines get the cameras and film to do this on a larger scale.

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