Assembly at Marigold Academy. Even though we are refugees still we get an opportunity to study.  Through study every individual can be lead onto a brighter path…

Education is the ornament of a human being.  It is consolation to the old, ornament to the rich and wealth to the poor.  Refugees do not have anything to do and we do not have property, only our education is with us.   Bishnu Maya / PhotoVoice / LWF

When there is no space in the classrooms we carry on learning outside.

Prem / PhotoVoice / LWF

Friends in the classroom. Teachers teach Dzongkha (national Bhutanese language) in class. Even though we left Bhutan we have not forgotten it.  Bhutan still dances in the eyes of every Bhutanese refugees’ eyes.   Aite Maya / PhotoVoice / LWF

Everyone in this world has to have an aim. Some aim to be a doctor or an engineer or a pilot. A person with no aim is like an aeroplane without an engine. My aim is to be a teacher. When I die I want people to remember my name.  Ajay / PhotoVoice / LWF

A teacher is like the second parent of a child, they have to show the children the right path.   Ajay / PhotoVoice / LWF

Children finish school at the end of the day

Ajay/ PhotoVoice / LWF

A person without education is like a cat without a tail.  Aite Maya / PhotoVoice / LWF

These students are trying to do their homework in their huts by the light of a small small flame. Students are compelled to finish their homework and study in the daytime because we are not provided with fuel for lighting.   Bhakta / PhotoVoice / LWF

This boy is doing his homework and being helped by his father. Parents are happy to help the school where their children study. They work together to keep the school in good repair to support their children's education.  Prem / PhotoVoice / LWF

He is my brother.  He is studying in Class VIII.  He wakes up early in the morning because his examinations are very near. He is naked, sitting on the bed, because he has just woken up, lit the lantern and started studying.   Yamuna / PhotoVoice / LWF

It is said that every environment helps to shape a human being, so it also must influence the moulding of their future. In spite of the fact that I am deprived of my birthplace and basic rights, I still have a strong desire for the future…

… After the completion of my course here in the refugee camps my ambition, and my parents' wish, is that I will become a doctor studying medicine. But as success is directly proportional to labor, my labor will not cease. 

Devi / PhotoVoice / LWF

Even the old people understand the value of education.  They understand that education is the third eye through which you can peep at the world.  They are learning to read and write as well as the young people.

Prem/ PhotoVoice / LWF

Education without practicals is like rice without curry.  This science teacher teaches practical science in the laboratory.  He explains how to prepare gas.

Menuka / PhotoVoice / LWF

Even though we are refugees students make every effort to keep their school uniform smart looking and tidy.  Ajay / PhotoVoice / LWF

A Bhutanese girl on her way to school.  Students at campus level do not have enough money for their higher studies.  They collect money and buy books in a group in order to get a good result.  One reads and the other can explain and share their ideas with the other.

Indra / PhotoVoice / LWF

My mother learnt to read and write in the adult literacy classes run by Oxfam.  She reads the holy books and folk tales.  She encourages us to study hard.

Indra / PhotoVoice / LWF

Although many students have finished MA, SLC, PhD on their certificates is written ‘REFUGEE’.  There is not respect or honour.  From looking at our faces you see no tears but our internal hearts are crying.   Yethi Raj / PhotoVoice / LWF