Child refugee illuminated by streetlight, defying odds: snapshot illustrates provisional shelter for young migrant
In the heart of Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp, a South Sudanese refugee and artist named Dennis Taban Okeny is using his camera to shed light on the resilience and determination of children living in challenging conditions.
Okeny, who founded the refugee-led arts organisation Fly Bring Smile in 2015, is a dab hand behind the lens. His photographs aim to highlight the humanity that unites all people, and his latest project does just that.
Commissioned by the youth agency Restless Development as part of the World Health Organization's campaign to end violence against children, the project posed the question: 'What does safe mean to you?'. The resulting 10 photo essays bring to life remarkable stories of vulnerability and hope.
One of the most striking images from the series features a child studying by the light of a dusty oil lamp. Despite the fragile existence suggested by dog-eared books, corrugated tin walls, and makeshift homes from tarpaulin and sheet metal, the child displays a remarkable determination to learn.
Okeny, who himself is a resident of the camp, interprets this image as symbolizing safety and resilience. He expresses the sentiment that refugees are more than just survivors; they are dreamers and fighters.
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Okeny's images are intended as a call for global action to provide every child with a life free from violence, fear, and loss. If you are moved by his work and want to make a difference, consider supporting Positive News with regular or one-time contributions. Together, we can help change the world, one story at a time.
Main Image: Dennis Taban Okeny, the photographer behind the inspiring images, stands with his camera in hand, ready to capture another story of resilience and hope.
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