And the winner is ...

All of the photos are beautiful. While I like the photo of the boys in the classroom, my issue with it is just that. It is a classroom of boys. Had it been a photo of both girls and boys, I would have voted for it. Maybe mixed gender classes aren't that common.

It is widely recognized that girls in developing countries are often repressed and treated like second-class citizens. They don't get the same access to education that boys do.

What a missed opportunity for Mercy Corps not to have found or offered a photo of girls and boys in a classroom to show Mercy Corp's support of providing a future in which all children have access to education and opportunity.

As a professional female and donor, I am disappointed with the message that the winning photo (beautiful as it is) portrays.

The picture of children in a school-It depict that " EDUCATION FOR ALL" "THEY ARE THE CHANGE AGENTS OF THE NEW WORLD"

I vote for #1. The dignity and pride in the children's faces show us why we want to help them achieve their goals.

All have heart-touching appeal...and it is difficult to choose one over the other ...but
Education is power...power to become all they have been created to be.
I vote for the Children in the Congo

I love the Congolese schoolchildren....a beautiful image!

#1 beautiful

School children in Congo is a very moving image

Voted for No. 3, because Kavita made me smile with her. Her joy of life, whatever her circumstances, is a gift to all looking at her photo. Just as a photo, the color contrast and the composition caught my eye the quickest, thus it was the most compelling.

Edit+Granpa=Mercycorps agenda
Our mission; our passion

Vote for #1...

I would like to vote for the 2nd Photo, a woman with traditional dress with a glimpse of megacity behind, where is our women rights still now and why they fight all the time for there family and children

A diffiuclt vote, but I vote #1 for kids in a classroom setting looking eager to learn. There should be some way to present each of these photos within this calendar or somewhere else. Each photo sends a powerful message.

I vote # 4 and hope Edith and family more better tomorrow...
^_^ teuku_afrizal@yahoo.com

i vote for photo #1..very moving

Photo No. 1 is my choice.

Educating children to change the course of their lives and not be dependent on the whim of others emobodies what I see in photo #1. I choose photo #1.

#1

All the pictures are great. I vote for #4. The contrasting expressions on the older women(worry) and the child (hope) is quite striking.

I voted for #2 to free this enslaved woman!

I vote for #1

My vote is for #1 Miguel Samper

I vote for picture #1. Thank you!

I vote for #1

I VOTE FOR #1

Vote for #1 a vote for education anywhere in the world is a better tomorrow for everyone!

vOTE FOR #1 - THE LIGHT SHINES AND TELLS IT ALL!!!!!!

I love #1 because it shows that there is the need to give education to the children of Mama africa instead of weapons.

dixon Tunateh Penie
Liberia

I Vote for # 1 is a great photo

All 4 are great. I liked number 1 the best. The boys seem so happy to be learning. Thank you Mercy Corps!

I voted for number 4 because it shows a promise of a bright future for a child with such a sad story. The smile and twinkle in her little eyes shows that she has something good to give the world.

#1 is the best..

Congratulations for your well doing !
Really it 's a difficult vote ! I choose photo (4) but I think that all the four are beautiful and very expressive .So ,give them the same chance :each photo may covered three months .

Thanks for your good missions .

Reveals wonderful energy and joy.

Sr. Marie Jeanne, RSM
New Orleans LA

I would like to vote for #1 but can't figure out how.

#1(Miguel's) is a great shot exemplifying the results of Mercy Corp's hard work in supporting schools and Mercy Corp's dedication to future generations.

I wanted to vote for all four. They all represent work that Mercy Corps does so well. I finally picked #4 because of the look of confidence and "spunk" in the young girls eyes and that applies to her grandmother behind her, too. I hope to see the other three pictures somewhere in the following months of the calendar although I'm sure that you have many more good pictures to share-you always do.

i am trying to vote for #2. where is the button to do that?

I vote #2
Only strong woman make a living by selling 'jamu' (a traditional medicational herbs) to men in port.

All are beautiful and evidence of the incredible work of Mercy Corps. I have to choose one. I m voting for # 2, koz this one breaking the customs /traditional attitude to women.

Abdul Rasheed Abbasi
arabbasi@msn.com

I love number 4!

I love Edith's expression - she looks like she has loads of potential just waiting to be unleashed. And I like that this photo is representing several of the most vulnerable groups Mercy Corps works with - women, children and the elderly.

I decided to vote for number 4. We need to be looking forward to plan for a future, or it will not be better than the present for many people./

Hi
I vote for photo no 1.I do not know why but I think everything the elder does stems from what they has learn in their childhood.

These are all beautiful and very moving pictures to represent hope for the future. #1 is my choice.

I vote for picture number 3! I don't know why, I just do...

Infact all the pics look great and contain touching stories. I express my appreciation to those who captured them live.
Given the choice to choose one out of these valuable four, I suggest for Pic#2 to be the ' Mercy ambassador of the year' for gender equality and empowerment of women.

Sadiq Syed
sadiq@justice.com

All 4 Pics are great indeed and was difficult to pick one. Picture 2 is live and captures a number of positive messages and way forward towards gender equality and empowerment of women.

the moment i saw picture 2 i feel that it should be the picture of the year ,it shows the world people to keep our heads up and walk confidantily despite the mase....

I vote 2nd Photo because she looks very strong and joyful. which means accepting any problem with positive angle and simbolises very beautiful , hopeful morning.

To me, this photo embodies the Mercy Corps mission.

Prasanna Mishra.
Rural Reconstruction Organisation.
Orissa,India.

skool boys in class very wonderful but it's funny when they learn had and grow up with good health all of them are going to have a bright tomorrow only God can tell.

Education in congo to show the normal situation.
Lalit
loveit@rediffmail.com

#4 -- love the sweetness of the child's face, and the multi-generational view of Mercy Corps' work.

we are the votes, but send us at least one calenter

Education is the only way to make a person human, and formal education is the best way to get it in all the cultures.
All the photos are wery well, but I think that in photo 1 Miguel capture the meaning of education

The photo of schoolchildren in Congo express the importance role of children in the society. They need support from adult to become good citizen. Adults need to fullfil children rights to all children first before saying that children can't do any thing like adults.

En un mundo sin niñez y sin educación no habrá esperanza, ver a los niños a pesar de todas sus adversidades y dificultades asistir a sus clases es algo que regocija!!!!!
por supuesto la No. 1 Jk

They are all wonderful, but I liked #2 best. I thought she looked happy, self-reliant, and like she is living without fear, even before I read the caption. A beautiful and hopeful shot.

The photo I chose shows a woman working in difficult conditions, but still with a smile and a beautiful red dress; illustrating MeryCorps mission of overcoming dire circumstances with grace.

After watching the documentary "War Dance" I was amazed by the HOPE that is still left in the kids after all the ware and ugly truth that they have been exposed to, they are still dreamers, and that is why I choose picture #4, the bright light of hope in Edith's eyes and the the strength of her grandma behind her to make sure she gets to that bright future. Keep up the great work you are doing Mercy Corp. The world needs more people like you!

I LOOK THE CORP OF HOPE IN THE EYES OF CANGO CHILD .ITS GREAT EXAMPLE OF SYMPATHY WITH CHILD ESPECIALY IN THE POOR COUNTRIES

Kavitha, the realistic photograph.

I prefer the picture of Edith and her grandmother. In so many countries, including the United States, grandparents are caring for their grandchildren because their adult children are either dead, in prison, ravished by drugs and alcohol, or generally medically not able to care for their children. Grandparents are so needed in today's environment and are the unsung heroes of the times in which we live.

So poignant the contrast between youth & hope & vitality with age & fatigue & sadness. It also represents the legions of grandparents raising grandchildren due to war and AIDS and imprisonment and drug use.

It was the look of hope in Edith eyes that touched me. The hope that we all have when we believe in Jesus.
I just wanted to say that all the pictures were great. But Edith's eyes were like the windows to her soul.
God bless Mercy Corp and all it's hard work.

picture number four depicts leaving behind the pains of the past and facing the future with all the vigor one posseses, and that is why Edith eyes are twinkling. She gives us hope fore a brighter future

I chose number 4 (though it was a close contest), because to me it identifies with the mission/vision of Mercy Corps more than any other - with a heart moving story of both tragedy and hope. '...winning against impossible odds.'

I voted for the beautiful photograph from Jakarta, because it depicts hope and laughter, which is a good medicine for a world full of challenges!!!

Ikwo
Nigeria

Edith is a reminder of an african child brought up by her grandmother. look at the smile on her face. grandmother sitted with pride in the back.

Photo 2 gets my vote. For starters I think it's the best photograph from an aesthetic point of view. I like the composition and the colours of Ibu Eni's clothes contrast nicely with the soft muted background. I think it would make the best cover. I also think the subject is good - a strong, proud woman, smiling and active, taking control of her life under difficult circumstances.

Photo 1

I vote for Photo No. 4. We see it all over the place young couple die and leave their mothers fending for their several children through difficult situations, hunger, drought, floods despite their advanced age and lack of strength and resources. The will/motivation to move on where their deceased children left (with no resources at all) amazes me

I chose photo #4 as it showed love in the picture of the girl and the grandma.

l.sarch@gmail.com

I chose Ibu Eni simply for the elegance of the subject in the ptotograph.

i am seeing a satisfaction and hope for on both faces. They are just look like saying thanks Mercy Corps. Qudratullah khan , Social worker from pakistan, marwat200@yahoo.com

I work with and for children and particularly am interested in education so picture 1 will do for me.

# 4 gives a good idea of what MC is about ; for everyone in the world to have hope in spite of the circumstances. However, as someone else mentioned, they are all great and represent a part of life - joy, hard work, yearning to learn, love, the future - why not put them all on the cover !

I like #4 the best because the charming little girl has suffered so much but her sparkling smile show the hopes of a bright future. Her grandmother who is raising her is visible behind her, the strength of the woman makes me feel like I can personally overcome anything I face. Love shows through in the picture and it really looks like a calendar cover to me.
Janice

#2 and # 3 are the only photos with room for copy. I actually prefer #4 more but where will you put the copy without overlapping faces? Somewhat odd choices from a graphic design perspective.

I can't decide between #1 n #2.
#1 shows the future...such harsh environment yet such a passion to learn....
#2 wat a charisma...wateva it is, look forward to the future with a smile...

I guess #2 holds such a slight edge for me.

when i saw the picture # 1 so i really found a kind of hope and prospectivness in the eayes of School children in Congo, and i hope that a day will come up to have a very bright future for the all world papoulations who are suffering from famine and drought.

thanks for having time for choesing the 2010 Celender cover of the MERCY CORPS Celender by People (US)

They are all so beautiful, this was a really tough choice. I finally went with #4 - I just felt really drawn in by that photo.

I really delighted while see the picture #1 that shows the future of congo & it belongs to same situation in nepal too.Childrens can make better future of country & world if they well educated.Thank you
Regards
Sushil shrestha
Dhl Express nepal pvt ltd

Hard to choose but #4 I guess. Such heartache but what a hopeful, beautiful face with grandma in the background to love her.

I liked the photo 2 from an photographic point of view and wanted to vote this BUT the photo 4 earned my click as it says something humane.

Very difficult choice. All photos are stunning and do a beautiful job of capturing the human spirit. I choose #4 -- the sparkle in the little girl's eyes pulled at my heart.

The No.1 picture of School children with poor lighting, they don't have fancy clothes but they are there to learn I think it is better for Calender 2010.

Each of the photos has a story to tell. # 1 - the story of the next generation wanting to learn and grow. # 2 - the story of confidence and self-assurance. # 3 - the story of commitment to hard work. # 4 - the story of life in its whole (young to old).

It is # 4 that I voted for as it depicts that Mercy Corp works for ALL...young / old and everything inbetween. Like the others...I hope all of these photos make it into the calendar as each story needs to be told.

Photo #2 is lovely and the only one in which a young woman is shown moving forward with a smile. My choice for the cover.

These are all rich and beautiful photographs. I chose #4 simply because I think it makes the best cover. It is one that will instantly capture attention and encourage further examination of the photos inside.

Thanks for letting us participate in this process!

I really enjoyed # 3 and #4. But I ended up voting for #3 because I like how the woman isn't looking straight at the camera. She is busy doing her daily routine and is absorbed by it. To me that speaks reality. When people look into the camera it sometimes makes it seem less real and more like a "photo shoot." I also think the angles in photo #3 are nice. Picture #4 is great as well. It shows the contrast between young and old. All around great pictures.

# 1 for me although they are all wonderful in their own special ways. So hard to decide between any of them.

#2-she has a great smile and aura about her. Beautiful.

I hope all the pictures will appear somewhere in the new calendar. They speak such volumes.

All are stunning pictures that I hope will be included in the calendar. As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Liberia in the 70's, I lived among the beautiful people "up country" and so must vote with my heart for picture #4.

All are great I vote for #1

I love all of the pictures. I chose #1 because I just think those two boys in the front row, with their little grins, show how happy they are to be in school. As a teacher and counselor, this always gets me every time.
But all of the pictures and the people are beautiful, and each one would make an beautiful cover.

I chose #1 because it captures the faces of children waiting to learn in a peaceful background

Many of you have commented on the story that Cassandra tells about the Liberia picture. It's worth noting that we asked each photographer to offer "a little bit of an inside take" to accompany their image, and left it up to them what that may be. Cass focused on the subject of her photograph. But we do have more information about the lives of Kavita and Ibu Eni elsewhere on our site.

I wrote this story about Kavita and her husband, Suman, during a visit to Sri Lanka in February: http://www.mercycorps.org/countries/srilanka/15219

And Ibu Eni, or Eni, was captured on video as part of a book/video project called "Nineteen: the Lives of Jakarta's Street Vendors." Josh was the still photographer. You can watch the video of Eni here: http://www.mercycorps.org/countries/indonesia/15711

I chose #4 but all pictures should be in the calendar. I love the children learning and understand the need for light but all stories tugged at my heart. Women of all cultures seem to keep going no matter what.

All the photographs are compostionally rich but as a cover for the calendar, I choose photo #1 because when I think of the passage of time I think of the past, present, and future. The future belongs to the children; beit a year ahead or forever.

I chose number 3 because too often we believe the only way to get people from the west to help is to show people from other cultures as being helpless. This photo just shows a woman doing her daily chores from the environment within which she lives. She's has a life outside the frame of the photograph. She does not look helpless and probably really doesn't want to see her self that way either. And washing pots in the street subliminally reminds us of the preciousness of water.

#4 definitely. It is the saddest and most poignant story. The other photos are accompanied by wonderful stories, but they show energy out of hardship. However, Edith lost her parents. She has a wonderful grandmother to help her, and it signifies to me that out of hopelessness and despair comes love, hope and life. That shines in Edith's eyes and in the goals of the MC.

As someone has already commented, all of the images should find a place in the calendar. As an image that invites the observer in, I voted for #4 on the cover. But thinking about it - maybe # 2 would be even better, demonstrating the strength of this young woman!

It's a shame you can't offer some of each of them. Printing a bunch with one, more with each of them. Just an idea. It might be a nightmare for typesetting but would also give variety as well as showing the breadth of what MC does for the world. You reach so many people. It's amazing. Do you have to choose just one?

My vote is for #3. The photo of Kavita shows work and joy and water, three essentials in our daily lives around the world.

I choose Edith and her grandmother - spanning the generations is always a vital issue. It is marvelous to see this couageous child still smile after all the hardship she has endured.

I love them all! Such beautiful subjects and talented photography, each embodying the message of hope that Mercy Corps heralds. I chose Edith and her grandmother because the contrast between the women was so striking, seeming to speak to the emergence of a hopeful, vibrant new generation.

#2 In the background is life in a shipyard, busy and blurred and amidst it positive energy coming away bright and beautiful, the crisp smile against an unsure background.

Her smile is also different than the rest and the others seem like something that would already grace the color of a magazine. #2 stands out more.

less expressive of photo but most represent marginal women condition in the developed country especially indonesian

I could easily choose all of them but voted for Edith as I understand what it is like to lose your family as a child.

#4

I chose number one. Education is what is needed for a free world.

Im voting for # 4. Shows a beautiful relationship although with hard times and struggle between a grandma and grandaughter. The light of hope in that girls eyes needs no explanation. She is hopeful and optimistic for the future, we could all learn something from that photo.

I vote for photo #1.

I voted for #1 because of the power that education has to lift a nation. As a past educator, I truly believe that an education gives hope!

Why not try to fit in 1 and 4? By the way, there is at least one girl in picture # 1.

# 1 focusses on th future, # 4 suggests progress. Please place the logo carefully! Thanks

#1 is an incredible photograph....WOW....what amazing work!!

A tough choice, but I voted for #3, for the beauty and spirit of its subject. I'm disappointed to see that i's a minority vote. As for the comment that photo #1 doesn't show any girls, the child at the near end of the second row appears to be a girl.

They are all beautiful pics. I chose #4, because of the expression on the faces of both Edith and her grandmother. It shows the hope the younger generations have and the resiliency with a touch of desperation the older generation was saddled with, and what is Mercy Corps is about is giving hope to the generation of now to learn from the past and grow into a brighter future.

#4

I vote for #4 for all the same reasons those who voted for it cited above. Perhaps Mercy Corps could move the logo to the lower left corner or straight across the bottom of this lovely photo of hope.

All the photos are telling, of abversity with hope and appreciation. Number four however, tells the story between two generations. The grandmother's face, with all her concern, behind the child's smile with all her hopefulness, is remarkable. Sad and joyful all at once.

I feel it's possible to include all 4 photos on the calendar cover, which would more fully represent the totality of Mercy Corp's service to humanity. May all the aspirations of Mercy Corp be fullfilled in 2010!

I would choose #4 if I thought that Mercy Corps' name could be in the lower left rather than the upper right where it is shown on your sample. If it will be on the upper right then #2 is the one where it would would least intrude on the picture.

Absolutely number 4 ~ The perfect juxtaposition of hope and optimism in Edith's sweet face tempered with reality and concern in her Grandmother's loving, protective gaze.

All 4 pictures are moving and all stories are a story of survival...Yet between the 4 pictures, I couldn't miss Ibu Eni! Her joie de vivre is so apparent, despite what she's living, despite the misery surrounding her... he is so solar! What a great lesson in optimism and Hope! And thank you Mercy Corps.

#2!

I almost chose #1, an excellent picture showing the hope that education brings, but the picture also suggests, perhaps unfairly, that only boys will receive that education. This is often the case in many parts of the world, as it was in our country over a century ago. As a result, I chose #4, with Edith and her grandmother. The two generations are separated by the pole, with the troubled grandmother standing behind, worried about her granddaughter and what will happen to her, and the granddaughter, like children everywhere, pulling away from her protector, smiling and full of hope for her future. She is still hanging onto the pole for security, knowing that her grandmother is behind her. Thanks to Mercy Corps, there is at least a glimmer of hope that Edith will find the better life her smile imagines.

I chose number three because it shows a woman at work. Although number for is a beautiful and compelling photo, I think number three typifies your work and the empowerment of women.

Torn between picture #1 and #4--the narratives behind both pictures are moving and inspiring, but #4 tells a story of continuity and hope, even without explanation.

I love photo #3 -- Thatcher Cook's "Kavita at Work" -- because while this young woman works, she smiles so beautifully. I like the buckets of clear water she is using -- at this point when so many people do not have this commodity. I am sure that Mercy Corps helped her obtain it. I also think her smile is worth a million words. Finally -- this photograph is so perfectly composed; the colors are lovely (red is the color of energy), the exposure is perfect, and the diagonal line bespeaks hope and progress. An inspiring picture!

All of the photos beautifully convey the essence of Mercy Corps' work. However, as any sharp-eyed fan of the Seattle Mariners baseball team would do, I feel obligated to vote for photo #1 after seeing the t-shirt of the boy in the 2nd row. :)

All are great and tell a powerful story. But #4 seems more intimate and it shows the emotional contrast of a former generation and a new generation which is smiling. A sign of a promising future.

Edith and her grandmother visually illustrate the "before and after" of Mercy Corps' mission: the concerned adult in the background representing suffering and the optimistic child in the foreground representing recovery. I pick #4.

Beautiful photos and great stories. Nice work.

Edith is precious! She and her grandmother clearly have a very special relationship.

all photos are beautiful, but #4 is special, the smile of Hope.

I voted for #4 because it shows the generational connection of those in need. I do hope that the others will be used in the calendar since they are all beautiful and represent hope.

It's a toss up between the first and fourth. The fourth photo is good for all the reasons stated here, but the first tells one of the stories about what Mercy Corps does. I choose #1.

All are beautiful. I have to choose one. I vote for pic 2.

Edith's beautiful smile and the hope and determination in her eyes despite her horrific experiences, tempered by her grandmother's wisdom and caution in the background, capture beautiful the struggle of past generations and the hope embodied by the future. Number four is my choice - a great photograph that tells a moving story without knowing anything at all about the two women in the photo. Moving and beautiful work.

I love all the photos, but #4 contains an entire narrative in a way that allows one to ponder it far beyond its surface aesthetic. Two age groups, with one missing, represented by the pillar the bisects the image. The composition actually symbolizes Edith's particular difficulties, and one shared by so many children. Somehow she is able to have a look of hope; her grandmother, on the other hand, has a look of weariness. She has lost her child and is now raising her grandchild. It should be the goal of Mercy Corps to help relieve the burden and weariness of the grandmother, and to help Edith actualize her hope. The picture is lovely.

Edith has the countenance of a typical child, who is carefree and unaware of her own present and future struggles, while her grandmother's distressed and apprehensive expression conveys the wisdom of an experienced woman who is all too familiar with the hardships of life.

Dark into light in the Congo--No. 1 please.

While they are all exceptional photos, I think #4 is appropriate for a cover for a couple of reasons. First, fills the frame entirely with the composition, fulling engaging the viewer. Second, it symbolizes two generations, and moving forward with the youth of a nation. The older woman symbolizes the older generation that is tired from years of hardship, but is at the same time full of wisdom, love and hope for the younger generation. The young girl in the front seems unaware of the hardships before her, full of hope and dreams. It would make me want to pick up the calendar and look inside.

All pictures are very touching... I find the first one absolutely beautiful. It is probably my favourite photograph, as I have a soft spot for children and it demonstrates their attempts at a new beginning but doesn't dismiss the difficulties they have. However, I voted for the fourth picture. It is simply perfect for the cover! The hope in this girl's eyes is incredible and I think it is what Mercy Corps is based on.

While they are all exceptional photos, I think #4 is appropriate for a cover for a couple of reasons. First, fills the frame entirely with the composition, fulling engaging the viewer. Second, it symbolizes two generations, and moving forward with the youth of a nation. The older woman symbolizes the older generation that is tired from years of hardship, but is at the same time full of wisdom, love and hope for the younger generation. The young girl in the front seems unaware of the hardships before her, full of hope and dreams. It would make me want to pick up the calendar and look inside.

Photo # 4 speaks of the hope in the beautiful child's face, and the cautious, protective look of her grandmother. The other photos are very nice, but I especially like the optimistic message this photo represents.

school children in congo! education!!!

Photo #4 - The beautiful face of that child, looking happy and hopeful, and her grandmother in the background, looking on cautiously and protectively, is really a wonderful photo for the calendar cover.

The fulfillment of hope that Mercy Corps helps bring is so evident in #4.

all four photos are beautiful. they all carry a realism that is not appreciated in north america like it hsould be. thank you for sharing these amazing images with me.

Photo # 4, please.

I think this photo shows the resiliency of children and the protective factor of family relationships. I think the work of Mercy Corps is to support what is present in the culture and this photo celebrates that work.

All of the photographs are wonderful but the photo by Josh Estey of Ibu Eni captures a moment of hopeful optimism
that transcends the poverty, the stress of daily struggling for survival and the tension that young women must feel daily as they confront the attitudes of men who consider rape a rite of passage or a cure for impotency or as a shield against disease. And yet she smiles and lives her life hopeful of her future. Surely this is the reason the Mercy Corp works so hard to advance. We bring hope with our gifts of caring. The cover should reflect the realization of this hope. Josh Estey captures a wonderful moment of hope- a reminder to all of why we support Mercy Corp. RL Pete Housman ,Earthshepherd Ministries, USA

I love the photo of Edith and her grandmother. The light of hope in Edith's eyes. I hope that it never goes out.

Although each photo's subject matter is compelling only #4 is a strong enough photo to grace a cover.

#4 shows the hunger and thirst for hope from generation to generation - and that is what it is all about - giving forward with faith and hope

i like photo # 4 best

Aesthetically, as well as thematically, all of the images should find a place in the calendar. However, I think as an image that invites the observer in, and defines the work and attitude of Mercy Corps (from this donor's perspective), I would choose #4.

I vote for Number 1, i love the faces of the school children.

I am voting for #4: Despite the challenges she has undergone at that tender age, she has hope and a future.

I choose Number 1 congo

The picture by Cassandra Nelson of Edith and her Grandmother in Liberia. It got my vote and hopefully it will win. It is great work. It touched my heart and I have seen live pictures of children in her circumstance here in Zimbabwe. May the picture win

Photo 1: Schoolchildren,
Congo

Each of these photos captures a beautiful subject, but Edith's spirit shines through in a way I couldn't ignore.

All photos are good and show the good work of Mercy Corps. From an aesthetic point of view, however, I think photo 2 has it.

All are winners, but the picture of Edith and her grandmother showing the generations of people being helped by Mercy Corps gives an immediacy and promise of your mission. Thanks for letting us see these wonderful pictures!

Each is compelling - when will we as a world ever learn! Is it impossible to work together? I sincerely hope not.

I love the photo by Cassandra Nelson. Its got my vote!

All the pictures are beautiful, but you feel so compelled to help Edith because to crush the spirit or potential of a little girl that appears so playful and full of life would be heart-breaking.

All the photos are great. But for a cover, Ibu Eni smiling and walking toward the camera will make the best, most inviting cover. A beautiful photo.

The photo of the school children was lovely ... just wish there had been a girl in there as well ... The light in Edith's eyes, the glimmer of hope and future drew me to her ...

I chose the photo of Ibu Eni (#2) because she just looks so strong and joyful. To me, this photo embodies the Mercy Corps mission.

Beautiful photos!

The school children's photo lighting is what makes it outstanding, although all photos are special in their own way.

The school children- In the dark- they still want to learn--- a powerful message. Keep up the good work Mercy Corp!!!

"Rays of sunshine like rays of new hope illuminating the lives and minds of our future generation."

All the photos are beautiful, but the inherent story told by Schoolchildren, Congo is the elevating factor.

A vote for the lighting of Miguel SAmper- that photo tells the story

Vote for Miguel Samper

Miguel Samper - that picture tells a reral story!

The schoolchildren are my choice. Education is such an important message...

The schoolchildren in Congo is a beautiful picture.

Thanks Mercy Corps, for the work you all do!

I am currently working with an organization in Uganda called Grandmothers Beyond Borders and this photo touches on that relationship between a grandparent and a child. I love the smile in Edith's eyes.

The picture of children in a school with poor lighting, they don't have fancy clothes but they are there to learn AMAZING!!!

All four have compelling stories of the difficulties that the underprivilege live with daily and therefore each deserve one-quarter of the front cover.

Come on Congo!

Photo 4 is so engaging. And uplifting.

Edith's eyes are the embodiment of hope.

Go Mercy Corps

All are beautiful and evidence of the incredible work of Mercy Corps.

A million thanks,

Jon

Great juxtaposition with the little girl and her grandmother. She has a devastating story and beautiful eyes.

With the atrocities that are being waged against women in the Congo, I think it's important to show the world that there is a glimmer of hope with the education of children.

I love the story photo 4 tells just through the different expressions on Edith and her grandmother's faces but the back story makes this image even more powerful.

Focusing on the One Table campaign this year makes this an easy choice - two generations broken by war....struggling to survive together deep in a jungle....the photo is magical!

A difficult vote! Each one tore at my heartstrings!

Edith and her Grandmother as a subject seem to really embody the principles of Mercy Corps - no single group is targeted, and their efforts span all age groups. I love all the photos, but I really like this one best!

Great depth of field and beautiful subject.