As some of you may know, in 2008 I traveled to Jordan with the BYU study abroad program. One of my friends from the program was Joey Anthon Jackson, pictured here.
When we got back from Jordan in August, Joey graduated and promptly went back overseas. Ever since, he’s been traveling the world, spending no more than a week or two in any one place. He’s been from Korea to Iran, down to Ethiopia, up to Italy and Norway–seriously, I think the only place he hasn’t been is Antarctica. He blogs about it, too.
Most recently, he’s joined up with a team from Oxford University to film a documentary about the nomadic Danakil people in western Ethiopia. It looks like a really fascinating project, and Joey is definitely the right person to do it.
From his site:
In August and September of this year, I’ll join two young travelers (one the Chairman of the Oxford Exploration Club and another from Addis Ababa University) on a 6-week camel journey through the remote Afar region of eastern Ethiopia. Already sponsored in part by Oxford University, the Danakil Expedition aims to follow the footsteps of famous British explorer Wilfred Thesiger on his 1933-34 Awash Expedition.
We hope to develop a similarly involved relationship with the Afar People, becoming their guests in one of the world’s most inhospitable environments. Most importantly, we intend to document their threatened nomadic lifestyle with writing, photos and especially film. A travel writer and photographer, I will shoot the film entirely by DSLR. My colleagues and I are determined to reach the Afar lands by August, although I am still seeking support to cover the costs of suitable gear.
He’s buying supplies and leaving on August 8th, but he needs a little help with funding. Towards that end, he’s put together a site on gofundme.com, where he’s giving out a bunch of really cool stuff for donations. The deadline has technically passed, but anything you donate from now until the 8th will get to him in time.
I only promote stuff on this blog that I truly believe in. I know Joey personally, and I know he’s got what it takes to make something amazing here. Those of you who’ve read my books (especially the forthcoming Gaia Nova series) know that I have a thing for the Middle East and nomadic peoples, and this documentary looks to be not only timely and important, but downright fascinating as well.
Man, I wish I could be out there traveling the world like Joey does! As he would probably say, “it’s easy–just buy a planet ticket.” One of these days, I just might…
Joe,
Thanks for sharing about this opportunity. I just reposted the story on my blog. I try and find and then promote philanthropic opportunities. Good luck to you, I hope you are able to get your friend the funds he is looking for. Sounds like a fun project.
Thanks,
Barett
Hey thanks! I appreciate it, and I’m sure Joey does as well. I hope it’s not too late, but with luck we should be able to bring some more attention to his project.