My name is Emma Guillaume, I am 23 years old, French, and currently a journalism student in France. For three weeks, I undertook a photojournalism assignment in Kathmandu with the NGO VIN. My motivation was simple: to meet people, empower marginalized communities, immerse myself in the culture, and live in Nepal while learning something new.
Capturing Reality
The project mainly focused on documentary photography. I had the chance to visit several schools — North Star, Kalika Sharan, Jitpur — as well as the communities of Lamichaane Gaun and Dadagaun. Through my photographs, I captured the daily lives of the inhabitants and the work of VIN volunteers in the field.
My photos gave a visual voice to VIN’s projects, highlighting local life, the courage of the children, and the dedication of the communities. These images helped raise awareness about the NGO’s work while strengthening local pride and self-esteem among both volunteers and residents.
Growing on the Ground
Although I already had some photography experience, I had to adapt to a completely different cultural environment, improve my English communication skills, and work with diverse audiences. This experience helped me become more autonomous, flexible, and adaptable.
Working alongside the VIN team and other volunteers was incredibly rewarding. We exchanged ideas, shared methods, and gained new perspectives on life. This diversity taught me the importance of teamwork, active listening, and cultural humility.
The biggest challenge was the language barrier and the need to quickly adjust to a reality very different from my own. With patience, observation, and mutual trust, I gradually integrated and built bridges of communication — both visual and human.
I highly recommend this type of volunteering to anyone who wants to help others, grow personally, and open themselves up to new experiences. Ultimately, this journey left a deep mark on me: it allowed me to use my journalism skills while immersing myself in a rich and generous culture.
Written by: Emma Guillaume
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