Chris Jackson speaks of his support to Sentebale in interview
Getty Images’ award-winning Royal photographer, Chris Jackson, has spoken out in support of Sentebale in a recent video interview, in which he described visiting Sentebale’s programmes and the impact the work has had on children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana.
Premiered on 19 November, the interview was featured by the One Million Voices project, which shares insights from inspirational speakers and champions organisations that are making a difference.
In his interview with the One Million Voices project founder Catia Dal Poz, Mr Jackson, who has travelled with Sentebale Co-Founder Prince Harry to Lesotho and Botswana over the last decade, spoke of his experience.
“Sentebale is quite close to my heart. I’m lucky to have worked with them for well over 10 years now,” the Royal Photographer explained. “It’s just so lovely. I’ve been going back there year after year and I have (…) got to know some of the children. Watching them grow has been really special.”
During this time, Mr Jackson said he had visited Sentebale’s ‘Mamohato Children’s centre, as well as attended residential camps for children struggling to cope with their HIV status.
“Prince Harry founded the charity with Prince Seeiso who is so passionate about helping his country, Lesotho, and they have been doing huge amounts of great work.”
The photographer explained he had then witnessed the launch of Sentebale’s operations in Botswana in 2016, followed by the organisation’s youth-led advocacy programme in Lesotho and Botswana.
Mr Jackson reminded viewers that, despite the concerted international efforts to respond to HIV and the progress made, some communities are missed and still left behind in Southern Africa. Other recent issues brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the need for urgent efforts to ensure the continuity of HIV prevention and access to treatment in these communities.
“It’s an incredibly challenging situation that [Sentebale] face and they have done for many years (…) Whilst they have done some incredible work, there is still a long way to go,” Mr Jackson added.
During the interview, the photographer also encouraged viewers to support Sentebale, by visiting the website, donating and signing up to the newsletter.
