A Lawrence-based photography competition is aiming to raise money to provide clean drinking water in the Ndhambi village in northern South Africa.

The River to Well project is the brainchild of Lawrence resident Ken Chang, who recently visited the village. He recruited about 10 friends to help organize the photo competition.

“We want the community to get behind us, become educated and exposed to a cause not widely known and use the talents and passion for the arts to show that anyone and everyone can change the world,” Chang says.

He says the combination of increased rains and the spread of cholera has meant the main water source for the village — a river — is no longer clean or safe to drink from.

The local organization, affiliated with IFCA Missions, says all of the entry fees gathered for the photo competition will go toward building a well or well in the region. Entries will be accepted in three divisions (student, amateur non-student and professional) and in five categories:

• People.

• Places.

• Cultural traces (must be taken outside of the United States.

• Flora and fauna.

• Black and white/monochromatic.

Entry fees are $15 for one photograph, $25 for two or $30 for three. The deadline is Sept. 15. For a full list of rules, visit www.rivertowell.com.

The photos will be exhibited in front of U.S. Bank, 900 Mass., during the Lawrence ArtWalk Oct. 10-11. Prizes, including merchandise and gift certificates, also will be available for winning entries.