2000

Foundational work begins: Shinpei Takeda engages in photography projects in refugee camps along the Thailand–Burma border, working with displaced communities. This experience becomes the philosophical seed for The AjA Project.

The AjA Project is established as a California Corporation to support Record of Truth, and shortly thereafter and receives 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation.

2002

Colombia’s Disparando Cámaras para la Paz and San Diego JOURNEY Project are initiated

First grant awarded to launch JOURNEY, a youth photography program serving immigrant and refugee youth from Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and other countries.

Sandra Ainslie becomes the first Executive Director.

1999

2003

AjA Project exhibits its youth photography work at the United Nations, elevating its international profile.

“Live in Transition” is exhibited at National Geographic Society Headquarters in collab with UNHCR (United Nations Headquarters)

The Record of Truth Project begins in Thailand.