African Eyes

African Eyes

Young school children peer through the open window of their classroom. Their eyes are wide with wonder and curiosity at these light skinned strangers wandering around their campus. These kids, and they are the lucky ones, go to a small rural school up in the hills above Illula and not too far from Iringa in south central Tanzania. Boys and girls alike wear blue and white uniforms and shaved heads to keep lice at bay.  This area of Tanzania has the second highest rate of HIV/AIDS, exceeding ten percent of the population by some estimates. Consequently, many of the children are orphans and are forced to support themselves. They do not get adequate health care and are malnourished. Public education is available but many children do not go to school because their parents can not afford school fees, books and uniforms.

Ron Mayhew

Fine Art Photographer specializing in Still Life and Commercial Photography.

This Post Has 20 Comments

  1. Very nice powerful image. Thanks for the commentary.

    1. Thanks Dr. It is a special place with a lot of woes.

  2. This one has some real magic Ron – beautifully done!

  3. An entrancing image, Ron. And great commentary. As Tina said, magical.

    1. Thank you Lynne. It is a rather tragic place.

  4. Very STRONG image. Were you part of the group you describe?

    1. Thank you Allen, for your kind words. Yes we were with a group working at a nearby orphanage.

  5. This is a beautiful photograph, but such a sad story.

    Sent from my iPad

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    1. Thanks Lynn, and yes a sad story with no real solution.

  6. This is a beautiful shot…looking at it I cannot help but be curious as well. Powerful photo, and even more powerful words. Well done Ron!

    1. Thank you for your kind comment Randall.

  7. Really powerful image, Ron — love how some of the eyes are looking away and some are looking at you — those innocent eyes.

    1. It was a special moment for them, I think, and for us. Thanks Neely.

  8. An incredible capture, Ron. Do you have any idea what kind of work these children’s parents do that afford their children the opportunity to go to school? How long ago were you in Tanzania?

    1. There is very little to do there other than substance farming that I could see. Quite possibly a family member works overseas and send money home. We were in Tanzania in 2008 and would love to return.

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