Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

The charity supported school takes in poor children, many of them live on the streets, others come from very poor homes. The school helps to provide them with nutritious food and to cloth them. There is an overwhelming desire amongst them to receive an education, they know it is their only way, for themselves and their parents, out of the poverty they exist in.

The school is poorly equipped and the buildings are decrepit, all this is overcome by the dedication of the teaching staff. It is very humbling to visit places such as this, we have, in the western world, so much, they have so little, but my observation is that they are possibly, almost certainly, more "happy" than we are. They all want better for themselves but they are content with what they have, this might sound like a contradiction in terms but it is the only way that I can explain it. They are caring and sharing to each other to a fault.

Learning the Bengali Alphabet

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Health Check

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I can't remember if I asked who was going to be Prime Minister of India or who was going to be the first Indian astronaut.

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Bright as Buttons

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minniev Loc: MIssissippi

This is a wonderful piece of visual storytelling, and no made-up stories here, they're real, they're touching, they're impactful. We immediately see the connection and contrast between our children and grand children in their comfortable classrooms and these children sitting on a concrete floor with meager educational resources. They are the same, but they are different. This is the kind of series we see on Maptia. Excellent images, well captured with good composition and detail, giving us a window into a world we would not see otherwise, but doing it in a way that is highly respectful of the subjects, and turns out to be uplifting at the same time it makes us uncomfortable.

There have been discussions, here and elsewhere, about the role of photography in addressing social and humanitarian issues. I don't want your thread drawn terribly off course, but I think the fact that these issues exist are part of what makes images like this valuable. Thanks for sharing them.

mallen1330 Loc: Chicago western suburbs

This is a wonderful series.... Looks like they could use http://www.msnbc.com/kind-fund -- Lawrence O’Donnell and UNICEF teamed up to provide school desks to children in Malawi, why not for Kolkata as well?

Chuck_893 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

So far as I am concerned, this is photojournalism, which is, as Min said, visual storytelling. It's a beautiful set. The four Bright Buttons is a standout. These kids are India's future.

repleo Loc: Boston

Thank you for this post. It is thought - provoking, sad but uplifting. The pictures support the narrative beautifully and 'Bright as Buttons' tells the story on its own.

Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

Minnie, discussion of the issues you mention are more than welcome on any thread of mine.

Papa j Loc: Cary NC

Thanks Graham great photos as always I think number 3 says it all, the light in the children's eyes speaks to the hope the smiles on their faces speaks to the innocence and joy

Thank you
Joe

Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

Thank you. I was part of a group from the UK representing the Eastern Synod of the URC. We were delivering donations and equipment to a number of schools, hospitals and hospices in Kolkata, Durgapur and rural West Bengal.

I think desks would be somewhat problematic for a couple of reasons. Not the least being space, the buildings are basically slum buildings. There is no space to extend and new premises are financially out of the question, this school is entirely supported by charities. Another reason is that the pupils are quite accustomed to doing everything on the floor, the is little or no furniture in their homes. As you can see from the attached picture they would be able to accommodate far fewer pupils if they were at desks.

Graham

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AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I was touched by your comment about them being "happier" with their little than others are with their much. I find that true in the regions of Ecuador where I work. Those people have nothing. Yet most of them are content.

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

Thank you for sharing these shots. These children are alert and fully engaged - somebody is doing something right. That speaks volumes, particularly when contrasted with those that "have" and are bored spending their lives seeking entertainment, stimulation and trouble. People certainly should have what they need, but clearly "Having" is not the key to happiness.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I wonder how many of us do any actual work of this nature (paid or volunteer), using our cameras and skills to call attention to an issue that is important to us, whether it be human, environmental, social, whatever.

There is a feeling of accomplishment in such projects, which can also serve to help us develop new skills and get extra exposure, but the thing itself is of value, and we all need to feel like we are contributing members of this big old world. Once we retire from whatever paid job we have, or even if we are still doing those jobs too, a way to apply this wonderful hobby to something we value just for the sake of it, seems like something we ought to challenge ourselves to do.

I have never been on a mission type trip myself, but that's no excuse. There are many worthy projects right under our noses, if we think creatively and risk ourselves a bit. I've got three local projects, two involving local kids in need, and one an entire community that has fallen on hard times and is seeking a way to revitalize itself. I should do more with those than I'm doing.

This is a wonderful project Graham. I hope you'll tell us more about it either now or as it unfolds in the future.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Super set, Graham. Thanks for taking us there.

Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

It is a satisfying project and I can only encourage you to get yourself involved in something local to you... if you fancy a trip to India in January....


I have some more series that I will post Minnie, a rural hospital, village life, pictures taken on the road and more schools. As I think you already know I will be returning to India for an extended visit early in the new year.

Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

Thank you for looking Richard.

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

OMG! What beautiful children. I want to adopt them all. I can just imagine what a delight they are to teach.

Your pictures tell a story that is worth knowing.