Mali in Color - Mirjam Knickriem and Hasselblad help set up mobile schools in West Africa

Mirjam Knickriem proves that photography can indeed make a difference. The photographer supports the construction of mobile schools in Mali, Africa, by selling landscape and portrait photographs and donates the proceeds to the local children. In collaboration with Hasselblad, she kick-started a whole project, whose call has been heard by many celebrities too: 'Mali in Color'.

Since 2008, Mirjam Knickriem has been travelling to the West African country, which suffers from one of the world's highest rates of illiteracy. She documented current projects of the world nutrition programme and undertook travels with representatives of the world hunger charity. A private collection of donations made it possible to ensure first financial means for the reconstruction of a school.

The charity project 'Mali in Color' is not only made up of portraits of people and their surroundings, but also 18 portraits of celebrities. Dressed in Malian clothes, these celebrities had their picture taken:

Reinhold Messner, Michael Ballhaus, Michi Beck, Susanne Bormann, Inez Björg David, Alexa Hennig von Lange, Karoline Herfurth, Henry Hübchen, Hellmuth Karasek, Dieter Kosslick, Thomas Kretschmann, Mirko Lang, Minh-Khai Phan-Thi, Anja Kling and Anna von Griesheim.

The photographs can be viewed and bought on www.mali-in-color.de. The proceeds, after subtracting the cost for print, framing and postage, will contribute towards the construction of nomadic schools.

“ . . .not only through the provision of equipment, but also through their personal support for 'Mali in Color', Hasselblad will be an energetic and considerate partner for Mirjam Knickriem's commitment in Mali.”, says Uwe Moebus, CEO of Hasselblad Germany.

We also want to support the cause and call out for everyone to purchase the pictures. As a general note, donations of any scale are very much appreciated. 150 Euro will pay for a child to go to school for a whole a year.

www.mali-in-color.de