Photography And Graphic Art Studio 

Group: Mueda Girls Secondary School Humanist Club

Members:

Maria Isabel
 17 years

Ana Sofia
 17 years

Lúcia Fernanda
 19 years

Carla Joana
 16 years

Elsa Cristina
 15 years

Julieta Amélia
 17 years

Marta Celeste
 14 years

Sandra Filomena
 18 years

Tatiana Graça
 18 years

Emília Carlota 19 Years

Email: filomenabenede@gmail.com

Why did your group become humanist and what does humanism mean to your group?

Mueda Girls Secondary School Humanist Club, are proud to call ourselves humanists because we choose to live without belief in God or religion. We believe that we don’t need religion to be good people. Instead, we rely on reason, kindness, and our shared humanity to guide our actions.

In our club, we question things. We ask why, we seek truth, and we don’t accept ideas just because they’ve always been believed. We believe that answers come from evidence, not from faith. We don’t pray, we act. We don’t wait for miracles, we work hard, support each other, and try to build a better world with our own hands.

Many of us come from religious backgrounds, but we’ve chosen to step away from those traditions. We’ve seen how religion can divide people, limit girls, and discourage critical thinking. In our club, we are free to speak openly, to doubt, to grow, and to dream big without fear.

Being humanist means we take responsibility for our lives and our future. We don’t believe in a god, but we believe deeply in people in kindness, in education, in freedom, and in each other.

Project Description

The Humanist Club at Mueda Girls Secondary School provides a rare space for young people, especially girls, to explore human rights, ethics, reason, and critical thinking in a community that often limits open inquiry. To deepen this mission, the Club proposes establishing a Photography and Graphic Art Studio that will serve as a creative platform for self-expression, visual storytelling, and social engagement rooted in humanist values.

Through photography and digital design, students will be empowered to document their experiences, challenge injustice, and communicate ideas of equality, peace, and secular ethics. The studio will allow Humanist students to move beyond discussions and written reflections into powerful visual advocacy creating posters, photo essays, and campaigns that reflect their values and engage the broader community.

Importantly, the studio will also introduce practical, income-generating skills. Students will learn how to offer services such as event photography, digital art design, and school publications. These opportunities will provide not only financial support to improve their lives, but also a sustainable way to keep the studio active, expanding access to new students each year. Funds raised can also support Club activities and local outreach promoting humanism.

In a region facing deep challenges, this studio will be more than a creative space; it will be a sustainable engine for empowerment, education, and ethical influence. By helping students gain a voice and a livelihood, it will strengthen the spread of humanist ideals in Mueda and beyond.

Budget

Used DSLR Camera (1 unit) – $200

Tripod (1 unit) – $25

Second-hand Laptop with basic design software – $150

External hard drive (1TB) – $40

Basic inkjet photo printer – $60

Printer ink & photo paper (starter pack) – $30

Studio lighting ring (portable LED) – $20

Simple fabric backdrop (1 unit) – $15

Power extension cable – $10

Portable table for workspace – $20

Plastic chair (2 units) – $20

Shelf or storage box – $10

Internet modem/router (used or basic) – $25

3-month internet subscription – $30

Room cleaning and basic setup (paint/repair) – $25

Studio branding poster/sign – $10

Office space rental (shared/temporary, 3 months) – $30

Total Estimated Budget: $700

Expected Income from Project, with Timeline

With growing demand and improved student skills, the Photography and Graphic Art Studio is projected to generate a weekly income of $35 to $50. Services such as school ID photos, event photography, poster design, and community portraits will be offered more regularly and at a slightly higher rate. Over six months (approximately 24 weeks), this would result in a total estimated income of $840 to $1,200. After accounting for minor ongoing costs like printing supplies and internet, the studio could earn a net profit of $700 to $1,000. These earnings will be reinvested into expanding the studio, upgrading equipment, and supporting the Humanist Club’s educational and outreach programs. As word spreads and the studio builds its reputation, income is expected to grow further. This financial model not only ensures sustainability but also gives students practical income that improves their lives and supports the spread of humanist values in the wider community.

Benefits to Community

Provides affordable photography and design services locally

Creates job-like skills for youth, especially girls

Promotes positive messaging on human rights and equality

Supports local events with visual documentation

Increases digital literacy and creativity in the area

Offers a platform for youth voices and local storytelling

Encourages peace, critical thinking, and civic engagement

Inspires community pride through student-led exhibitions

Strengthens ties between school and broader community

Contributes to local economic activity through service-based income