WorkPhotography

An Education: Ben Katzler captures captivating portraits in Masindi, Uganda

'CLASS' by London-based photographer Ben Katzler is a series of candid images taken during one day at the Bigando School in Masindi, northwestern Uganda, where he spent time working with the NGO, Redearth Education to document their work in primary schools.

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All images courtesy of Ben Katzler and the A&D Gallery

All images courtesy of Ben Katzler and the A&D Gallery

The photographs, to be included in an upcoming exhibition at London's A&D Gallery, capture how these children spend their days at school, their moods, their routines and how they interact with one another in and out of the classroom.

Ben explains: “Having lived my whole life in the UK where we constantly hear about the shortcomings of state-run education, it was remarkable to see how eager the kids were and the fulfilment they showed by being in a learning environment, even though funding may not even cover the barest of essentials like books and pencils.

"There was a collective desire and determination to learn. They clearly understood the difference that an education will make in their lives; an understanding which, sadly, most of their parents never had the opportunity to realise and one which so many kids here in the UK still have a hard time grasping.”

The exhibition runs from 23 - 28 April 2018 at the A&D Gallery. Discover more here and on Instagram.

Four young schoolchildren sit at a desk in a classroom at Bigando School in Masindi, Uganda, with a teacher and other students visible behind them
Schoolchildren sit attentively in a crowded classroom at Bigando School in Masindi, Uganda, facing a blackboard on the wall
Students at Bigando School in Masindi, Uganda sit at desks during a lesson, concentrating on their work in a crowded classroom
A large group of schoolchildren and teachers gathered in an open field at Bigando School in Masindi, Uganda, in black and white
Group of schoolchildren standing together outdoors at Bigando School in Masindi, Uganda, in black and white photography
Four young students stand together in a grass field in front of a striped school building at Bigando School in Masindi, Uganda
Group of young schoolchildren gathered together at Bigando School in Masindi, Uganda, photographed in black and white by Ben Katzler
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