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Jump For Joy

Imagine a world where poverty is eradicated. Envision a society which is founded on equality. Uncover a world that has achieved the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

In such a world, Africa’s indigenous tribes would be nothing like the tortured, sick and hungry figures of “world vision” advertisements. Instead of depression, they would be full of life and happiness. Nourished children will play soccer while parents will prepare plentiful meals with clean water…jump for joy! The elderly will be in their seventies versus their sixties, and children will go to local schools to gain an education equivalent to that of western society…jump for joy! University admittance will no longer be limited to the wealthy and access to medicine and health information will become universal…jump for joy! People and governments will push for an environmentally stable earth and will sustain commitment to good governance…jump for joy!

My photograph shows the joint union between developed and undeveloped countries. It portrays the hope, promise and innocence of children. Their hands are clasped and they are jumping for friendship. They are jumping for hope. They are jumping for equality. They are jumping for a better world. In unison, they are jumping for joy!

I have chosen to use photography as my medium of choice. The reasoning behind this is that I am an avid photographer and immortalizing human emotion through photographic art is my greatest hobby. A single moment of time is frozen, the human experience is captured through the lens and I feel that a certain level of hope is seen in their expression.

 This piece represents a future that will not be shrouded under the darkness of poverty and inequalities. In today’s world, poverty runs rampant. Children do not have the bare essentials of clean water, adequate shelter, healthcare and education. We have created a world where there are those who have more food than appetite, and those who have more appetite than food. However, even within this tumultuous world, there is hope for the future. Developed countries are providing aid to developing nations so that they can succeed in the society of today. Although extreme poverty still exists, we are slowly transforming disparities into development. Under the guidelines of the Millennium Development Goals, we are on our way to alleviating the world of inequality and providing medicine, education and sanitation to those who need it the most.

Although such change requires the efforts of governments and non-governmental organizations, I believe that I can continually work towards a poverty-free world. I can achieve this by spreading awareness in my school and within my community. I can volunteer my time and skills locally and globally for the betterment of society. And on the day when the United Nations Millennium Development Goals are reached, let us all join hands and…jump for joy! 

Medium: Photograph
Student:Eric Coomes
School/grade: Appleby College, Grade 10, Age 15
Location:Oakville, Ontario

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