Local Photographer to Share Gift Abroad with Community Support

One Vienna resident will have the opportunity to live out a lifelong dream this summer in sharing her gift with kids across the globe.

What’s more remarkable, however, is the way in which the Vienna community has rallied behind one of its own to make it all possible.

Laura Goyer is a mother, a former pediatric Physician Assistant, a community member and a talented and passionate photographer. She was recently granted a rare opportunity to travel abroad to Nicaragua (thanks to an organization called One Voice Movement) and share her gift and passion for photography with kids otherwise unexposed to the medium.

According to Goyer on her own GoFundMe page, photography can be a way for individuals to not only express themselves but to share their stories from their own perspectives through a collection of individual moments. Many kids in Nicaragua are never presented with this opportunity, which has inspired Goyer to enable them with the skills and resources to discover themselves and their stories through photography.

Unfortunately, there’s a hefty cost associated with this mission trip, which is where the GoFundMe page comes into play. Goyer said she hopes to bring one camera for every kid she’ll be working with, as well as journals, printers, ink and paper, allowing the kids she’ll work with to keep journals as they develop their skills and their unique perspectives. Of course, these items are not free.

Thankfully, her community was swift to support her as she prepares for her life-changing trip. In a span of only six days, Goyer has already raised more than $2,900 (as of time of publication) from 36 different donors. Her ultimate goal is to raise $5,200.

Goyer said she plans to leave one camera and one printer behind at the school her students attend, as well as some materials for the kids to continue journaling, allowing the kids to continue using photography as a means of expression and self-discovery.

“This skill, the ability to share your thoughts and capture your feelings through journalling and visual story telling is one that is proven around the world to increase confidence, deepen commitment to education and open doors to more connection, creativity and love,” Goyer wrote on her GoFundMe page.

It took her less than 10 days to to get more than halfway to her initial goal, and the donation period will remain open throughout the summer.