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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, July 20, 2012

Renowned Grammy® Winning Artist & Philanthropist Alicia Keys Selects Winners for the Peace Corps AIDS-Free Generation Photo Contest

WASHINGTON, D.C. July 20, 2012 – In advance of the 2012 International AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C., Peace Corps today announced that renowned Grammy®-winning artist and philanthropist, Alicia Keys, selected the top four thought-provoking images for the Peace Corps AIDS-Free Generation Photo Contest.  As co-founder and global ambassador for Keep a Child Alive, Keys is dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families living with AIDS.  

“We’re delighted to partner with Alicia Keys and Keep a Child Alive on this great effort,” said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams (returned Peace Corps volunteer, Dominican Republic, 1967-1970).  “Her passion, combined with her artistic vision helped the Peace Corps select photos that express the spirit of Volunteer service.”

A fifth “People’s Choice” photo was chosen by the number of ‘likes’ the photo received on social media. Keys made the announcement through Twitter today. 

First Place in Category 1: Education and Prevention. Children in Botswana gather for a weekly library club at their primary school. Photo by Peace Corps volunteer Harmony Caton (Botswana, 2004-2006).Enlarge image

Peace Corps volunteers, returned Peace Corps volunteers and Peace Corps staff submitted over 500 photo entries.  Photographs were judged based on creativity and impact in the following categories: education and prevention; treatment, care and support; reducing/eliminating stigma and discrimination; and photographic technical merit. 

“Peace Corps volunteers work tirelessly day in and day out to promote HIV/AIDS prevention techniques and improve access to care,” said Director Williams. “These photos portray the inspiring work Peace Corps volunteers do to help toward creating an AIDS free generation.”

First Place in Category 2: Treatment, Care, and Support. Family members grieve at a deuil, or mourning ceremony, on the outskirts of Bandjoun, Cameroon, in August 2004. Photo by Peace Corps volunteer Peter Bine (Cameroon, 2003-2005).Enlarge image

The top three photos from each category as well as the People’s Choice Award will be exhibited at the Carnegie Library in Washington, D.C. from July 23 to 26.  An additional selection of submissions will also be on display during the 2012 International AIDS Conference in the Global Village at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

First Place in Category 3: Reducing/Eliminating Stigma and Discrimination. A student in Morocco holds some of the ribbons that were distributed during a local music festival. Photo by Peace Corps volunteer Molly Green (Morocco, 2011-2013).Enlarge image

All photo submissions have been permanently added to the Peace Corps Digital Library, a searchable collection of electronic Peace Corps materials from 1961 to the present.

Along with being featured at the International AIDS Conference the winning photos will be highlighted on the Peace Corps websites, featured in the 2013 official Peace Corps HIV/AIDS Awareness Calendar and displayed in the Peace Corps headquarters building in Washington, D.C. First-place winners will also receive a framed certificate signed by Director Williams and Ambassador Eric Goosby, United States Global AIDS coordinator.

First Place in Category 4: Photographic Technical Merit. Participants of Camp GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) work on solving an HIV puzzle. Photo by Peace Corps volunteer Jeanna Rolsing (Ghana, 2010-2012).Enlarge image

About the 2012 International AIDS Conference: The International AIDS Conference is the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. It is a chance to assess where we are, evaluate recent scientific developments and lessons learnt, and collectively chart a course forward. The AIDS 2012 program will present new scientific knowledge and offer many opportunities for structured dialogue on the major issues facing the global response to HIV. A variety of session types – from abstract-driven presentations to symposia, bridging and plenary sessions – will meet the needs of various participants. Other related activities, including the Global Village, satellite meetings, exhibitions and affiliated independent events, will contribute to an exceptional opportunity for professional development and networking. For more information about the conference, visit: http://www.aids2012.org/.

People’s Choice Winner. A student at a primary school in Cambodia shows his AIDS ribbon as he awaits a presentation on HIV/AIDS for World AIDS Day 2011. Photo by Peace Corps volunteer Matthew Dantism (Cambodia, 2011-2013).Enlarge image

About the Peace Corps: Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961, more than 200,000 Americans have served in 139 host countries. Today, 9,095 volunteers are working with local communities in 75 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment and the agency’s mission is to promote world peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.

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