We Are Family Photo Contest

May 15, 2022

We Are Family Photo Contest!

The Children in Adversity Team sought submissions from USAID Missions and implementing partners asking them to submit images that represent the concept of family. The purpose? To remind the world that family comes in all shapes and sizes.

The images we collected celebrate an inclusive representation of family that includes depictions of non-traditional family structures (such as grandparent caregivers or foster families) and families from marginalized communities, including persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, and LGBTQI+ families.

We celebrate the family in all its forms and thank all who participated. It was not easy to cull down the many submissions but here are the top 20, arranged for us by Virtual Student Federal Service Intern Tenzin Tsering

Our winning image, submitted by Momentum Wheels for Humanity, depicts Zainab Barkat, an international para-table tennis player and national champion in Pakistan. Zainab is also the Toyota Sports Ambassador For Tokyo Paralympic Games 2021. Throughout her journey, Zainab’s family has been a constant source of support and motivation.

Manju's foot condition prevented her from walking the long distance required to get to school. Following an awareness campaign, Manju and her mother attended a mobile rehabilitation clinic run by the USAID-funded Physical Rehabilitation Activity. After being evaluated by a physical rehabilitation professional, she was referred to a rehabilitation center to be fitted for a prosthetic limb, which enables her to walk to school. Credit: © Ritesh Rajbhandari/HI
Luisa Fernanda Sierra participates in an Inclusive Sports Festival in Lebrija-Santander, Colombia held to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in December 2020. Luisa’s mother supports her participation in an athletic event. Luisa and her mother actively engage in promoting the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of community and family life. Credit: Lebrija, Santander - Colombia.
A father poses proudly with his two young daughters. This family was among those assisted by the USAID-funded Strengthening the Social Service Workforce in Colombia, which provided violence prevention and protection services for children, adolescents, and families. Its programs reached more than eight million Colombians through 33 regional headquarters and 209 zonal centers, covering the entire country. Credit: Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar [ICBF]).
Single mother, Gelila, revels in the love of her daughter Amran, at home in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Gelila adopted Amran through a USAID-funded foster-to-adoption program. Previously, Amran experienced various developmental delays and medical challenges but is growing strong and is now healthy and happy in her loving home. Credit: Wubet Getachew, Addis Ababa, Bethany Christian Services Global Ethiopia.
A young woman from Kalisizo, Uganda, participates in the USAID-funded Mama Ambassador Program, peer support parenting groups for adolescent mothers. Photo by Cynthia Rukundo.
Danar, a young wheelchair recipient with his father, mother, and baby brother. Danar was provided with an Expression wheelchair from the USAID-funded CLASP project. CLASP’s mission is to increase access to quality assistive products for people with disabilities in low and middle income countries. Credit: Damaijanti Teguh/Momentum Wheels for Humanity.
Bisantar Raj Shakya, age 23, lives with his family in Lalitpur, Pimbahal Pulchowk, Nepal. He has difficulty walking, speaking, sitting, and carrying out other daily activities. With the support of his family, Bisantar participated in the USAID-funded Spreading the Independent Living Concept program, where he received physiotherapy services and learned basic reading skills, and his family received counseling and guidance on how to assist Bisantar. Now he can walk slowly by himself and is interested in drawing. Credit: Ms. Babita Karki, Personal Assistant of Independent Living Centre Lalitpur.
14-year-old Namata Viola’s mother, Balisanyuka Elizabeth, understands the importance of good health, hygiene, and sanitation. Experiencing hydrocephalus, Viola is full of life, happy and makes her mother laugh all the time. Credit: Darran Rees/Send a Cow
Moses with his wife Esther and their son Brayton at the temporary shop (kiosiki), as his wife waits to serve early morning customers with a cup of porridge. Credit Magoba Sarah, Communications Coordinator, ReLAB-HS, Uganda Country Office.
Nine-month-old Anuj Kumar with his grandmother and grandfather. When Anuj was born with clubfoot, his mother fled fearing persecution for the condition that no one in her village understood. Anuj’s grandparents took him in and sought treatment for him through a USAID-funded health center. Anuj wears a brace at night but he can walk, run, and play without the pain. Credit: Glendolyn Quilat for MiracleFeet, Aligarh, India.
Zainab Barkat is an international para-table tennis player and national champion in Pakistan. She's also the Toyota Sports Ambassador For Tokyo Paralympic Games 2021. Throughout her journey, Zainab’s family has been a constant source of support and motivation. Credit: Azeem's Digital Lab & Studio for Momentum Wheels for Humanity.
A mother and son share a big hug. The USAID-funded Strengthening the Social Service Workforce in Colombia provided violence prevention and protection services for children, adolescents, and families. Its programs reached more than eight million Colombians through 33 regional headquarters and 209 zonal centers, covering the entire country. Credit: Credit: Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar [ICBF]).
When Pauline went into labor she called the local Mama Rescue Project boda boda (motorcycle taxi). Driver Mubarak will transport her to Kalisizo Hospital where she will deliver with a Babies and Mothers Alive Program-trained midwife. Her grandmother and sister will follow soon. Photo by Cynthia Rukundo.