Sarah duPont

Sarah duPont is an award-winning humanitarian, educator, and filmmaker who is passionate about ecological preservation and arts education.1 She is the co-founder of CIAMO (International Center for Art and Music in Ouidah), an arts and music school based in Benin, Africa, which she established in 2010 along with Gigi Hancock, wife of jazz legend Herbie Hancock.12

Professional Roles and Initiatives

Amazon Aid Foundation: Sarah is the President and Founder of the Amazon Aid Foundation, a nonprofit organization she established in October 2009. The foundation aims to raise awareness about environmental issues in the Amazon rainforest through integrative science, art, and multimedia projects.1

CIAMO: As co-founder of CIAMO, Sarah has been instrumental in creating a unique institution that promotes arts education as a tool for dynamic growth in the developing world. CIAMO offers free music and art classes to approximately 400 students each week, taught by both Beninese and international professionals.2

Filmmaking and Advocacy

Sarah is also known for her work in filmmaking, having produced and co-directed several notable projects:

• "River of Gold" - an award-winning film
• "Mercury Uprising" - a short film
• "Anthem for the Amazon" - a music video PSA

These projects aim to educate the public about environmental issues, particularly those affecting the Amazon rainforest.1

Recognition and Board Memberships

Sarah's humanitarian efforts have earned her several awards, including:

• Charlottesville Village Award
• Dorothy Corwin Spirit of Life Award
• Global Syndicate Humanitarian Award
• Worldwide Children's Foundation of New York's Humanitarian Award
• Hawaii International Film Festival's Humanitarian Award

She has also served on numerous boards, including the University of Virginia Children's Medical Center, the Amazon Conservation Association, and the DC Environmental Film Festival.1

Sarah duPont's work spans multiple disciplines, combining education, arts, environmental conservation, and humanitarian efforts to create impactful change both locally and globally.