A classroom in a village school in Hastings, Sierra Leone, West Africa.
Sierra Leone is struggling to get back on its feet after a devastating civil war that lasted more than a decade.
I took these photographs in May 2014.
The civil war ended in 2002.
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Michele D'Acosta 
So sad to see the small amount of rickety furniture in this classroom. I can imagine many children sitting on the floor when class is in session….
You’re so right in what you say…How can a child feel empowered in such a bewildering environment?
Very, very sad.
Yes, I agree. Thank you for caring.
When I see pictures like this Michele, I think myself to be a very lucky person. BTW, I’ve missed you, where have you been hiding? 🙂
Cheers
Laurie.
Laure, absolutely, we are lucky in this respect. As far as where I’ve been hiding…mainly in the interior of Sierra Leone.
So, Michele why are we hiding, hmm? Hope you’re taking plenty of photos, or are you doing a documentary? gee I’m nosey. 🙂 Take care with whatever you’re doing.
Cheers
Laurie.
Hi Laurie, I hope I’m “hiding” in a good way! Yes… to taking plenty of photos and working on a documentary. Watch this space and all will soon be revealed. Thank you for your wonderful support. You have my back 🙂 Mxx
Can’t wait to see the end result of your hard work. 🙂 I always have your back, you’re good people.
Laurie. xox
Dear Laurie, I cherish you.
Emptiness held within ‘your’ blue hue making the photo almost mystical. We are so lucky and every day I give silent thanks for this. Lovely…Lots of Love..
Thank you for your insightful observations. Yes, the blue hue speaks to the mystical atmosphere… an inbetween space between remembering and forgetting. Lots of love to you too!
So many troubles in that part of the world! It makes me count my blessings and try to help where I can.
janet
Dear Janet, thank you for your care and concern. I know you do wonderful charitable work, and I bless you for making the world a better place.
Tragic is the only word to describe these situations. I, like some of your other commenters, consider myself very fortunate. Come across your blog as you are following mine…many thanks. I’m just off for a scout around here!
Sue, bless you for being touched by these images and text. It’s a great pleasure to follow your blog. We are kindred spirits 🙂 Wishing you a beautiful day. M
I rather think we are kindred spirits…have a lovely day!
Sue, you made my day!!
Michele, I was so taken by the third photograph, the chair askew. There is something so tragic and destabilizing about this image. The chair, a symbol stability, reliability, and daily life, has been knocked off-kilter. Not destroyed, but rendered useless. And now it is supported ironically by a table. So much symbolism can be wrought from this photo. So moving.
Cheryl, as an amazing artist you have a deep understanding of the significance of the third photograph. I’m very moved by your interpretation. “… knocked off-kilter. Not destroyed, but rendered useless.” Incredible summation. Thank you for your insight and support.
It would be so nice to see mural on the wall, and legs that are stable on all the furniture.
Reblogged this on 21st Century Theater and commented:
Thanks for looking in Michele. We’ve never met, but everything I see and hear from you tells me you are an exceptional, talented, beautiful person.
– P E A C E
This room, such emptiness except from the story it holds…