BALTIMORE, MD, USA

100CAMERAS X REFUGEE YOUTH PROJECT

100cameras X Refugee Youth Project is a part of a 8 class course that is custom designed by 100cameras to empower kids in a community they care about with the opportunity to learn how to process their stories and create change. Pictured here are 100cameras students during the course.

100cameras X Refugee Youth Project is a part of a 8 class course that is custom designed by 100cameras to empower youth in a community they care about with the opportunity to learn how to process their stories and create change. Pictured here are 100cameras students during the course.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

In July 2013, 100cameras partnered with the Refugee Youth Project (RYP), a non-profit located in Baltimore that helps refugee students develop academically, emotionally, and socially. About 38% of refugees resettled in the U.S. are children, and Baltimore is among the largest refugee communities. Through the sales of our students' images, we support RYP in preventing school drop-out, preparing refugee youth for college and/or a career, easing the integration experience, and promoting creative expression to build self-esteem and foster community among diverse Refugee youth populations. 

During the course, we heard story after story of survival. Many students were chased out of their homes without notice, having to flee for safety, leaving behind all family and friends without any opportunity to say goodbye. Most were then displaced for years, moving throughout multiple countries to find food, shelter, and protection — all before arriving in the United States. Upon resettling, they faced challenges such as having to learn English, navigating new educational systems, coping with stereotypes and bullying, neglect, violence, and simply having to adjust to a myriad of cultural differences.

Through their expressed narratives, however, we realize these students are extraordinarily resilient and carry a deep strength, despite the day-to-day obstacles they face. They are hopeful for the future and very rarely look back. One of our students, Jean Marie from New Guinea, freely experimented with composition and light in his photography, articulating the difference between darkness and light as portrayed in his work. He explained how his subject matter is a direct reflection of his life, “I've had a lot of bad things [happen] in my life. So I'm really thankful for the little bright, joyful... happiness I get.”

 

MEET THE STUDENTS

 

STUDENT IMAGE GALLERY

Follow us on social media to see images from the field as captured by the 100cameras X Refugee Youth Project team and the student photographers.