(If you’re a photographer looking to volunteer, you can sign up here!
We’d love to have you as part of our team.)
(If you’re a photographer looking to volunteer, you can sign up here!
We’d love to have you as part of our team.)
Use the search tool on our photographer page to find one in your city.
Send an email to the photographer and book your portrait session for April!
On the chosen date in April with your photographer, your portrait session will take place!
You receive awesome photographs... and your donation made a huge impact. Thank you for participating!
Use the search tool on our photographer page to find one in your city.
The School Sessions started two years ago with a wild idea… “What if we could provide an opportunity for the entire photography industry to raise funds for education in Haiti?“
Within a few short months, Randy and Jamie Watson traveled to Haiti to visit ECCA School. Five years previous, an earthquake completely destroyed their school facility and since, teachers and staff have been faithfully teaching 200+ students (aged 3-18) in a temporary structure.
Jamie and Randy went home inspired to give others an opportunity to give. On January 12, 2015 (the 5th anniversary of the earthquake) The School Sessions was officially launched with a goal of raising $200,000 to buy land and build a new school.
Individuals were encouraged to book portrait sessions during the month of April with hundreds of volunteer photographers across the world. 100% of every session fee booked was donated to The School Sessions.
By the end of April, our team raised over $45,000. The money raised helped us buy new land for the future ECCA School and provided funds to install a well and begin digging for the foundation.
In April of 2016, we’re fundraising bigger and better! Our goal of $150,000 will build a new ECCA School on the already purchased land. The new school will have ten concrete classrooms in three separate buildings and will provide a safe, quiet space for generations of students to grow and learn!
Mr. and Mrs. Laguerre founded ECCA School in 2007, out of a passion to educate the next generation of Haitian children. When the earthquake destroyed their school in 2010, the Laguerres continued to hold classes, allowing many kids from other schools to attend for free.
Mr. Laguerre remembers, “In spite of our building being destroyed, parents sent their kids to our school. We asked why they chose ECCA, they said: ‘You inspire in us faith, hope and a future for our children.’“
ECCA’s motto is “Educated to Serve.” The Laguerres, other teachers and families of students in the community will all serve in the school project, volunteering their time to make building happen.
Every time Randy and Jamie visit the Laguerres at ECCA School, they are encouraged by their resilience, joy and dedication to the 200+ students who call ECCA home. They work tirelessly and remind us what true dedication and perseverance to your calling looks like.
Early into their dating relationship, Randy and Jamie knew they were called to combine their individual passions for business and missions work. Shortly after their wedding, the idea for The School Sessions was born. Jamie has been a wedding photographer in Vancouver, Canada for over 8 years and Randy has been a custom home builder/contractor since the age of 18. They’ve traveled to Haiti together twice and Randy’s lead teams to Haiti on six other trips.
The School Sessions is partnered with Hope Force International in Nashville, TN. Hope Force was founded by Jack and Cherie after 25 years of executive leadership experience with international aid. Hope Force is a team of individuals passionate about using their expertise to inspire, equip and mobilize volunteers into areas of crisis around the world. Jack and Cherie have a special place in their heart for the students at ECCA School!
After the 2010 earthquake, Hope Force International established a permanent presence in Haiti. Rene and Marianne have served in the international missions field together since their first year of marriage, over forty years ago. They live right in the village of Sous Savanne in Haiti and work closely in the community both with ECCA School and a child sponsorship program.
