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.
African Eyes
You Might Also Like
This Post Has 20 Comments
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Dr_IQ
14 Jan 2014Very nice powerful image. Thanks for the commentary.
fotograffer
14 Jan 2014Thanks Dr. It is a special place with a lot of woes.
Tina Schell
14 Jan 2014This one has some real magic Ron – beautifully done!
fotograffer
14 Jan 2014As always, thank you Tina.
Lynne Ayers
14 Jan 2014An entrancing image, Ron. And great commentary. As Tina said, magical.
fotograffer
14 Jan 2014Thank you Lynne. It is a rather tragic place.
allentimphotos2
14 Jan 2014Very STRONG image. Were you part of the group you describe?
fotograffer
14 Jan 2014Thank you Allen, for your kind words. Yes we were with a group working at a nearby orphanage.
Lynn Sarda
14 Jan 2014This is a beautiful photograph, but such a sad story.
Sent from my iPad
>
fotograffer
24 Jan 2014Thanks Lynn, and yes a sad story with no real solution.
Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Window (8) Moon | What's (in) the picture?
neverclipmywings
15 Jan 2014Beautiful shot
fotograffer
24 Jan 2014Thank you so much.
Dalo 2013
15 Jan 2014This 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!
fotograffer
24 Jan 2014Thank you for your kind comment Randall.
Neely Wang
15 Jan 2014Really powerful image, Ron — love how some of the eyes are looking away and some are looking at you — those innocent eyes.
fotograffer
24 Jan 2014It was a special moment for them, I think, and for us. Thanks Neely.
Tricia A. Mitchell
17 Jan 2014An 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?
fotograffer
24 Jan 2014There 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.
Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge – Window | Joe's Musings