Disqus - Latest Comments for nathangolden

Re: Stung Meanchey Dumpsite, Cambodia

nathangolden — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:59:37 -0000

Hey Tony, the Stung Meanchey Dump is closed, however people still live right next to it. Many of them scavenge for recyclable items that they sort, clean and sell.

Re: tj & jen engaged

nathangolden — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 02:07:52 -0000

I'm the comment king

Re: Vewd - For Documentary Photographers - Dendrite in India by Nathan Golden

nathangolden — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:18:16 -0000

Thanks for writing, Scott. All of those things you mentioned--prayer, donations, more awareness are all necessary for the kids, as well as volunteering your time overseas. When I photographed this story, I heard of three different organizations (Catholic, Christian, Hindu) working with and/or providing some care for the children. I connected with the volunteer-based Christian organization called Life Connection who were visiting the children daily, building friendships and offering minor medical care. They have recently began a day-shelter that is open daily as a safe-haven. The children can eat, and bath, and begin sobering up as no drug use is allowed in the shelter. I can put you in contact with the founders of Life Connection if you'd like to learn more or make a donation.

Re: Vewd - For Documentary Photographers - Dendrite in India by Nathan Golden

nathangolden — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:38:35 -0000

Greg, I found out about the children at Howrah while I was in Kolkata/Calcutta last year. I was staying at a day-shelter for street children photographing them and collecting stories. The founder of the day shelter put me in contact with a group of volunteers committed to helping the Howrah kids by building friendships and trust with them. The volunteers spent months just visiting and playing games with the kids. Because of their commitment, I was received well and the door was opened for me to photograph the kids. During that time, I remained at the day-shelter and spent about a week at the railway station.
While there, I discovered the only effective way of helping the children is to first gain their trust. It's not enough to simply tell them to stop using drugs or even attempt to take the glue away. As long as they live at the station, it's pretty much impossible to break the addition. Those working with kids have recently began a day-shelter that is open daily as a safe-haven. The children can eat, and bath and begin sobering up as no drug use is allowed in the shelter. It's a difficult journey, and progress is slow, but I believe there is hope for these children.