What Makes Jeff Mikkelson More Than a Photographer
Jeff is a photographer and storyteller, whose work mainly focuses on advertising and editorial.
“Jeff’s passion for beauty, body and fashion photography comes from a deep appreciation for the human form, and the many veils it wears. His goal as an artist is to know that beauty and truth are lovers, but not the same and often quarreling.”
Jeff went on assignment with PWB in 2018 to Tanzania, where he met Steve Revelian (pictured above). Steve is the founder of KARUDECA, (Karagwe Rural Development and Environmental Conservation Agency) that works with marginalized communities to aid local farmers, offer educational opportunities to children, encourage sustainability-focused projects, and foster income for families.
“There is no good market scheme for the farmers’ produce. The farmers are not well connected to the local and international markets. This situation affects the economy of the majority,”
—Steve Revelian
As a school teacher born and raised in Karagwe, it pained Steve to see how many students were not able to attend school because their parents could not afford the fees.
In order to help people in his community develop a sustainable income, Steve founded the Karagwe Rural Development and Environmental Conservation Agency (KARUDECA) in 2006. The NGO works with subsistence-level farmers by connecting them with buyers within the country, and beyond, who can help move their produce to market.
In the remote farming village of Chanika, KARUDECA has piloted a poultry project, where students from the local primary school receive two hens, one rooster, and funds to construct a henhouse as well as training in how to take care of them.
“Financial education and the poultry project work together. The children are keeping the chickens, with the help of their parents. In doing so, they learn production, entrepreneurship, and saving skills,”
—Steve Revelian
Eggs are relatively expensive in Karagwe, so selling just 10 will pay for a student’s textbooks for an entire year.
KARUDECA hopes to expand these projects further, beyond the borders of Karagwe, connecting with students, teachers and communities to facilitate access to financial education and promote economic independence throughout Tanzania.
Jeff’s project with KARUDECA was also featured in our print PWB Magazine, Issue #12.
Thank you Jeff for continuing to tell stories that amplify voices of grassroots communities.
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