Feeding the Poor: The Portrayal of Destitute Children in the Fundraising Campaigns of NGOs in India
Advisor Information
Angela Eikenberry
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
6-3-2015 2:00 PM
End Date
6-3-2015 3:30 PM
Abstract
The study presented in this paper brings in the unheard voices of children regarding their own portrayal by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working in India. It addresses the questions: How do children feel about their portrayal in the images of the funding campaign? What do photographers or managers/directors affiliated with NGOs view their portrayal of destitute children? The study draws on data from four focus groups conducted with 24 children between the ages of 8-15 years as well as with photographers and campaign managers from four charities working in different parts of India. Findings suggest children liked to be portrayed in a ‘good light’ by NGOs, telling the whole story about their lives but that also generates awareness about hardships such as child labor and child marriage. NGOs face a challenge in representing beneficiaries in fundraising campaigns between portraying them in a good light while also portraying them holistically.
Feeding the Poor: The Portrayal of Destitute Children in the Fundraising Campaigns of NGOs in India
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
The study presented in this paper brings in the unheard voices of children regarding their own portrayal by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working in India. It addresses the questions: How do children feel about their portrayal in the images of the funding campaign? What do photographers or managers/directors affiliated with NGOs view their portrayal of destitute children? The study draws on data from four focus groups conducted with 24 children between the ages of 8-15 years as well as with photographers and campaign managers from four charities working in different parts of India. Findings suggest children liked to be portrayed in a ‘good light’ by NGOs, telling the whole story about their lives but that also generates awareness about hardships such as child labor and child marriage. NGOs face a challenge in representing beneficiaries in fundraising campaigns between portraying them in a good light while also portraying them holistically.