Photo Camp: Erie, Pennsylvania

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Docked Boat

Photograph by Depend Tamba

"I was born in Liberia. I came to the United States in 2004 because there was a war in my country. I dream about finishing high school, graduating from college and playing on a professional soccer team. Now I live in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is a great city. It has lots of beaches, people are friendly and it's safe. There are no bad people here like the other places. There is no war here like the other places."—Photo Camp participant Ibrahim Konneh

Men Reading

Photograph by Eldar Binali-Ugly

"I remember my friend Amer. We used to play soccer until it got dark outside. Amer was like a brother to me. I miss him so much and I don't have a phone number to call him. When I was a child my mom used to hold me in her arms and sing to me."—Photo Camp participant Kadeer Kamel

Man Sitting on Stoop

Photograph by Eldar Binali-Ugly

"I dream about my future being a great and successful one. I dream about being a nurse and saving lives. I dream about going back to Africa and how to develop my country. I dream about how I am going to help others in need. Finally, I dream about how I am going to be a useful person in my country."—Photo Camp participant Mamie Gaye

Children Counting Coins

Photograph by Halimo Chirambo

"When I was young, at night in Somalia you couldn't sleep. People came and took what you had, and if you didn't have anything they would kill you. Here it is safe and nobody can take your things. At night you can sleep and you can get up when you have to go to school or to work."—Photo Camp participant Halimo Chirambo

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Seagulls Perched on Railing

Photograph by Konstantin Bauiklin

"My dream is to be a photo archaeologist because since I was a child I loved history. I love ancient stuff. When I was in my Russian school, I took first place in a history contest.

Also, I love to take pictures. I took my first pictures when I was six years old. And after that, I fell in love with taking pictures. I dream about combining my two favorite things. I don't know whether it can come true or if it's just a dream."—Photo Camp participant Konstantin Bauiklin

Children Jumping Rope

Photograph by Depend Tamba

"When I was a child I remember my brother picking me up and playing with me. I miss my friends and family and it's sad that I don't see them anymore. When we first came to Erie, I used to cry every day because I'm not with my family anymore. It seems like there's a hole inside me that's not complete."—Photo Camp participant Dirgham Absawi

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Lone Tree at Sunset

Photograph by Hadeel Kamel

"Dear Father,

I admire you for always being there for us, me and my brother. I know it has been hard for you. Actually, for every one of us.

I would like to thank you for sacrificing everything for something that you love because a loving father never leaves his children behind. What you have done means a lot and I respect you for that.

Consider this as a promise from me that in the future I will be glad and honored to raise my children in the same way that you have raised both of us. I know that you have lost everything in your life and in your past. But don't worry. We are your future. And whatever you have done, it was worth it."—Photo Camp participant Murtaja Mahdi