At age 15, Hugh Boyd secondary student Kyle Gomes is off to China in two weeks to create a documentary for Alliance for Smiles.
Gomes, a blossoming amateur photographer and videographer, was afforded the unique opportunity with help from the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset. On his two-week excursion he’ll document the non-profit organizations’ work with children affected by cleft lip and palate anomalies in Guiyang, China.
“I know this trip will be a life-changing experience. I’m thankful to the Rotary Club and all the people who put trust in me,” said Gomes.
For the incentive program student who carries himself beyond his years, gaining trust from his parents, teachers and members of the alliance was probably the least of his worries.
The trip will mean he’ll be away from his family for two weeks. As well, he’s tasked with the important job of documenting an incredibly emotional experience, something he says those around him worried about, initially.
“It was one of our concerns. Because I am young, they weren’t sure if I could handle these surgeries,” he said.
But Gomes convinced the alliance to take him by noting his mother works at a hospital and he’s well aware of the sensitivities involved in medical procedures.
He even went above and beyond and created a video for his application to the alliance.
Video production is not new to Gomes; he recently produced an international award- winning video with the Hugh Boyd Interact Club.
In China, Gomes will need to balance obtaining the right shots and respecting a family’s privacy.
“Sometimes, as a photographer, I like to capture a moment and preserve it and not change it,” he said.
A group of 15 medical professionals with the alliance will help 70-100 babies and young children during the two-week excursion.
“The treatment we’re able to provide will be truly life changing. Before the children have the reconstructive surgeries they have no hope, but after, they’re able to lead normal lives,” explained Gomes.
The alliance expects Gomes to produce a short documentary of the trip and provide photos for a range of uses.
Gomes said he has considered a career in medicine or medical technology and this experience could help him narrow down any future decision.
“Being able to experience this first-hand could change a lot of things,” he said.
You can follow Gomes’ work with the alliance at Facebook.com/AllianceForSmiles.
Gomes also has a personal webpage he recently opened — KyleGomes.com — where he enjoys posting photos of things he sees and does in Richmond.
