Norwegian photographer Arne Hoel heads up the World Bank’s Africa Documentary Photo Project “Visions of Africa” which aims to produce compelling and insightful photography that puts a human face on development.
1/25/2008 :: In his photos, Mr. Hoel tries to convey hope and resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of abject poverty. Aside from documenting challenges, he also shows the impact of development on ordinary people’s lives. Hoel’s photos on these pages are from countries to which Norway provides development aid.
ETHIOPIA: Norway’s assistance to Ethiopia aims to foster peace, stability and reconciliation through political dialogue about border conflicts, security issues, and mine clearance as part of UNDP’s development program, as well as research for regional energy trade, and environment and agriculture.
UGANDA: Uganda was one of the first countries to receive Norwegian development assistance, most of it channeled through more than 20 NGOs, particularly towards governance, education and social development. Current projects include a capacity building program for Uganda Electricity Transmission Company to help improve the electricity supply, and supporting the UN’s development fund for women, UNIFEM, to increase participation
of women in peace negotiations in North-Uganda.
SUDAN: Norway aims to contribute to peace and alleviate poverty in Sudan. Total Norwegian aid to Sudan is more than $110 million. 35 percent is chaneled through World Bank funds. Norwegian aid helps fund school books, school materials, building of schools, medicines, running of district hospitals, good governance and basic humanitarian aid.
Photos:Arne Hoel/ World Bank