Learning by lamplight, against the odds: photo depicts ‘safety’ for child refugee

Learning by lamplight, against the odds: photo depicts ‘safety’ for child refugee

In a refugee camp in Kenya, safety takes on a different meaning for children facing challenging conditions. A striking image captured by a Kenyan refugee photographer, Dennis Taban Okeny, shows a child studying on a mattress under the dim light of an oil lamp in the Kakuma refugee camp. The makeshift homes made of tarpaulin and sheet metal paint a picture of a fragile existence, yet amidst these circumstances, children display unwavering determination to learn and thrive.

For Okeny, who is a resident of the camp himself, the photograph represents safety as more than just physical security. Safety encompasses emotional well-being, a sense of belonging, and the freedom to dream without fear. Through his lens, he captures the resilience and hope that children in the refugee camp hold onto despite the challenging environment they find themselves in.

Beyond photography, Okeny has established an art organization called Fly Bring Smile, which encourages children to express their stories through artwork. The image was part of a global photography project initiated by Restless Development, a youth agency, posing the question, “What does safe mean to you?” As part of the World Health Organization’s campaign to end violence against children, the project resulted in 10 photo essays that highlight stories of vulnerability and hope, showcasing the resilience and spirit of survivors, dreamers, and fighters in the face of adversity.

Through his work, Okeny aims to shed light on the shared humanity that unites us all, emphasizing that love and hope can flourish even in challenging circumstances. He hopes that his powerful images serve as a call to global action, advocating for every child to have a life free from violence, fear, and loss. As the world is reminded of the resilience and spirit of these children, the call to action becomes clearer—to create a world where every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and dream without fear

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