By Gail McCarthy
When Eoin Vincent's daughter donated her birthday money to a Tanzanian orphanage at age 11, the good deed sparked an idea that would take her father, a Rockport photographer, nearly half way around the world.
"Hanna thought if she could help just one child get an education then she would have made a positive influence in the world," said Vincent, a graphic designer and father of three. "Her wish sent me on a journey to Arusha, Tanzania."
Over the Thanksgiving holiday of 2007, he traveled to the East African country, known for its famous Mount Kilimanjaro. He visited 18 orphanages, schools, and hospitals where he photographed children and their way of life.
The result is the book "Eyes of Tanzania," a photo documentary of his travels, which will be unveiled Wednesday at a special event at the Rockport Art Association. Vincent was accepted into the association in 2008 and will share some of the stories behind his images in a slide show slated to start at 7 p.m.
"This trip inspired me as I observed what people were doing to help each other, how dedicated they were to their work, and how strong their desire for learning was," Vincent said. "I am self-publishing the book and will not take any financial benefit from its sales. The proceeds will go to the organizations that I have visited to help support efforts so important to Tanzania's future."
Vincent's daughter learned about local efforts to help Tanzanian citizens through Gloucester's Gail Ahern, who spent time there helping orphans and others, having taken contributions from Cape Ann including the young girl's birthday money.
Vincent, 37, has a life-long affinity to the arts. He credits his love of the creative process to growing up in a family that fostered the arts. His uncle, Peter Vincent of Rockport, is a marine painter. His grandfather Kenneth Vincent Sr. ran an advertising agency in Rockport for many years. His father, Ken Vincent Jr., a mathematician, was part of Draper Laboratories and the Apollo space missions during the late 1960s.
But his father died of melanoma when Vincent was 13.
"The arts saved me because it allowed me to express my emotions and feelings," he said. "I used to go up to Halibut Point and just get lost with my camera for hours on end. It was me exploring the world and working through the things I needed to work through. I was always the person with the camera."
Decades later, Vincent uses his photography and arts skills as a marketing project manager for Olympus NDT. His latest project beyond work is the Tanzanian book, which contains about 100 images.
"The idea is to let the images speak for themselves," said Vincent.
While on his two-week trip, he experienced everything from mud slick roads, a product of the rainy season, to being surrounding by children in the markets as he stuck out as the lone American.
"You could walk into these classrooms and see the children's strong will to learn. They were orderly and well behaved. They were like sponges taking in the information," he said. "I met teenagers who would do anything to get an education. They understand that this is their way out of poverty. They completely understood that without an education, they didn't stand a chance."
Vincent hopes to send some money back to each of the 18 organizations. He remains in constant e-mail contact with many of the groups who are eager to update Vincent about their work.
In terms of how far money can go, Vincent was told by a Tanzanian man that $5 would buy food for three weeks.
Law Hamilton, the photographic representative on the Rockport Art Associationn board of directors, said the association is pleased to present the unveiling of this book, which she has been privy to see.
"Even though this is a Third World country, surprisingly the kids are smiling as they learn at school, or do their chores," she said. "There's a certain elegance to these people. There is a level of pride that comes through in their demeanor and how they dress. Their shirts are more ironed than mine. Overall, the book is fabulous. Eoin went over their bearing gifts and came back with a changed perspective on human nature and how easy it is to help."
Gail McCarthy may be contacted at gmccarthy@gloucestertimes.com.
IF YOU GO
What: The unveiling of a charitable book "Eyes of Tanzania" by Eoin Vincent, in which all proceeds will benefit children in Tanzania. This is a free event that includes a talk and slide show.
When: Wednesday, April 15, at 7 p.m.
Where: Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St. in Rockport. Books are $30. For more information, call 978-546-7805.
