Niños que se han convertido en adultos
As the result of war many children have to become adults soon, abandone their toys, friends and daily lives and experience a conflict, fear and insecurities over an uncertain future. In just a few months, thousands of boys and girls have faced stressful situations far from the stability that childhood should have. According to the latest figures from the UN refugee agency, nearly 3.5 million Ukrainians have fled the country since Russian troops crossed the border and began invading Ukraine. Nearly half of them are boys and girls, according to UNICEF estimates.
Some often avoid talking about what is going on with showing symptoms of emotional distress, others acted as nothing happened while they lose connections with other boys and girls. Many schools are still close, others have reopened their doors, others have online classes because families doesn't want students lives in bunkers creating spaces to study or just becouse the school can be bombed and the structure is not safe.
Photographer Gian Marco Benedetto document boys and girls of 14 years old while they were ‘learning how to stop the bleed’ in a traing at school in Kiev. Endless doubts and concerns occupying the minds of Ukrainian boys and girls. However, their cognitive capacity will allow them to adequately understand the language of adults, which is why they are there, attending a workshop (on hemorrhages) considered important by their families, because they receive support and information to be able to face uncertainty and be able to be safe and provide a calm environment for their loved ones and themselves.
The portrait depicts a 14-year-old girl in a training session at a school in Kiev, where she is learning how to administer basic first aid and stop bleeding. The background of the portrait is dark, illuminated only by a flashlight that casts the girl's shadow onto the wall behind her. The girl stands confidently, with straight hair cascading down her back. She wears a focused and determined expression on her face, reflecting her commitment to learning these important life-saving skills. Her attire is simple and practical, consisting of a T-shirt and jeans that allow her to move freely during the training. The portrait captures the girl's youthful energy and vitality, balanced by the newfound knowledge and responsibility she has to help others in need. Overall, the portrait conveys a sense of the importance of being prepared and capable in emergency situations, and the value of empowering young people with the skills and knowledge they need to make a positive impact in their communities.
This school, once a place of learning and hope, now stands in ruins as a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of conflict on the education of innocent children. The aftermath of war leaves behind shattered classrooms and broken dreams showing the urgent need to protect the right to education for all children affected by war.
Despite his shy and slight appearance, the 14 y.o. boy in the portrait wears a sweater with a zipper around his neck, serving as a testament to his strength and resilience. He aspires to be a soldier and was on the front lines of medical training and listening to tactical advice, reflecting his determination to contribute to the well-being of others. Many young people growing up in situations of conflict and violence aspire to become soldiers as a way to protect their communities and contribute to building a better future. This does not necessarily mean that war is the solution, but rather that these young people are seeking ways to positively contribute to their community and society. The portrait is a reminder of the impact of war on young people and their futures, and the importance of finding positive ways to address and overcome the challenges they face.
The photograph depicts a solitary grave, surrounded by tall trees in a remote wooded area in Kiev oblast, near Bucha. The grave appears to be freshly dug, with a simple wooden cross. The scene is peaceful and serene, but also unsettling in its quietness and isolation. The absence of any identifying information on the cross adds to the sense of mystery and anonymity surrounding the buried body. The photograph evokes a sense of loss, finality, and the fleeting nature of human existence. It prompts the viewer to ponder the circumstances that led to this solitary burial and the unknown life that ended here in the midst of nature.
The portrait depicts a determined young woman (14 yo) who aspires to become a doctor in order to save lives and help those in danger in her country. She is dressed in a sweatshirt covered by a bulletproof jacket bearing the patch "MED rescue team, don't shoot, medical rescue," symbolizing her commitment to the medical profession and provided by the Spanish volunteer organization Rescue Life during a workshop held in the capital's schools. Her expression is serious but optimistic, conveying her conviction that she can make a difference in the world, as she told. The portrait is a testament to the power of education and the importance of empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make a positive impact in their communities. It also highlights the critical role that medical professionals play in times of crisis and the courage it takes to pursue such a challenging career path. Overall, the portrait captures the spirit of a young woman who is determined to make a difference in the world, and serves as an inspiration to others who share her passion for helping those in need.
A school bus parked in front of the school without windows due to the explosion caused by a bomb. Kiev oblast, September 2022.
The portrait captures the essence of a 14-year-old girl, whose cold and distant gaze evokes a sense of detachment and confusion. She appears lost in her own world, disconnected from her surroundings. Her short hair and practical attire suggest a defiance against societal norms, emphasizing her rebellious spirit. The photograph prompts us to question the circumstances that led to her emotional state and contemplate her future. Is she struggling with mental health issues, or is she in the midst of a journey of self-discovery and rebellion? The portrait encapsulates a moment of emotional complexity, underscoring the challenges and pressures faced by young people, particularly those affected by war, as they navigate their way through adolescence.
A young boy dressed in a soldier's camouflage jacket, holding a toy gun in his hand, standing in front of a haunting background of destroyed cars that have been turned into a museum of memories, commemorating the days of Russian occupation. The boy's expression is serious and determined, hinting at an understanding of the gravity of the situation around him. The stark contrast between the boy's innocent appearance and the destruction in the background creates a striking visual impact, emphasizing the profound impact of war on the innocence of children. The photograph powerfully conveys a sense of resilience and strength in the face of adversity, as the boy embodies the courage and determination of those who have been affected by war. The museum of memories in the background serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving the memories of those who have suffered and the necessity of learning from the past to avoid repeating history's mistakes. Overall, the photograph is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and determination in the face of tragedy, while also highlighting the devastating impact of war on communities and individuals, particularly on the most vulnerable among us, the children. Overall, this photograph captures a haunting moment in time - one where humanity has been forced to confront its own mortality and fragility.
Children in Ukraine whose youth is shattered by war. Kiev, september 2022.
The photo captures an abandoned swing in the foreground, held up by two ropes. In the background, a garden and a ruined house destroyed by the disasters of war can be seen. Despite human destruction, the garden is slowly reclaiming space, with grass and shrubs continuing to grow amidst the rubble. The house, with a window and a visible roof in the framed part but with a wavy shape due to an explosion, shows the destruction and burning of the walls. The contrast between the peaceful innocence of the swing and the surrounding destruction is evident, leading the viewer to reflect on the senseless devastation caused by war. The photograph serves as a haunting regret of the human cost of conflict and the long path to recovery and reconstruction after it.
Children in Ukraine whose youth is shattered by war. Kiev, september 2022.
Classroom of a bunker in the basement of a school in Kiev, September 2022.
The portrait captures the image of a young girl with a gaze fixed behind her makeup. Her lipstick is vibrant, and her eyes are accentuated by a thin line of eyeliner. She maintains the pose she chose to communicate with the photographer, looking resolutely at the camera. However, her expression betrays a mix of perplexity and detachment, as if her thoughts are elsewhere. Only when she finishes posing, does she break her silence and share the story of her father who was lost in the conflict. In that moment, her demeanor shifts, and the mask she wore for the portrait is no longer able to sustain her emotions. The portrait captures the complexity and depth of the girl's experience, highlighting the struggles and traumas that many young people face in times of war and conflict.
Detail of a student's sock with the famous response to Russian missile-launching war cruise Moskva on the order of surrender by Ukranian border guards stationed on Snake Island during the Russian attack on 24/02/2022. "Russian warship, fuck you!" The young woman appears to be making a statement or calling attention to the power of small details and how they can have a big impact. Through the subtle but deliberate gesture of wearing her sock, she expresses herself and makes her position known. The photograph captures a sense of individuality and self-expression, while also showcasing the unique style and fashion of the young woman and her culture.
