In South Asia caste and gender discrimination effectively freeze tens of millions of children out of primary schooling. Schools often lack the basic resources that children need to learn. Children quickly become bored by a curriculum that emphasizes memorization and rote learning rather than creativity and critical thinking, and opt to join the work force at an early age. The poor quality of education in the region also is a major factor contributing to the trafficking of children.
In a unique project conceived and put in place in Kolkata by the Terre des hommes Foundation (Lausanne, Switzerland), the documentary photographer Achinto Bhadra and counselor Harleen Walia guided 126 girls and women through a healing journey of psychological transformation. Achinto’s portraits record trafficking survivors’ imaginative visions of themselves as human, animistic and divine beings of power, love, revenge and freedom.
