Kibera: A Slice of Heaven

• Photographer
  Maureen Ruddy Burkhart

Kibera, Africa’s largest urban slum, has a bad reputation, but there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. At a propitious time in my life, I accepted a volunteer position with a Kenyan-based hygiene and women’s empowerment project. Seeing past the obvious obstacles of this life of poverty, I found the resilience and hard working ethic of these residents inspiring. I couldn’t help but see the ties that bind us together: a sense of community, family ties, pride and joy.

I'm a lifelong photographer and visual artist, having been a filmmaker, editor, and documentary photographer. I am a lover of nature and believe that we are the custodians of the earth. I believe art and photography can make a better world. So let's get to work!