Background for the expo photo About the exhibition The exhibition explores one of the most fascinating aspects of Cambodia: the beauty of the colours in the landscape, from the red tint of the beaten path zigzagging amongst the green ocean of the paddy fields, to the bright yellow school building at the end of the path. These omnipresent colors in Cambodia reflect Aide et Action’s trademark colours. But why a colourful education? Colours can be considered according to their literal meaning: see the shades of the uniforms, the books, the playgrounds…But, what we mean by colourful education is above all a living education. Schools must paint a mosaic of educational alternatives which reflects the diversity in children’s needs and backgrounds, and so as to truly brighten their future. Therefore, Aide et Action asked two young photographers to capture the effervescence of these colours during the children’s learning in two of our projects: the Centre of Education for All in Kratie Province and the School of deaf and blind children in Battambang province. The Center of Education for All, located in the pagoda of the village, is much more than a library: it is a full part of the villagers’ life! Since its opening, every villager from the youngest to the eldest can easily access information related to health, rights or sustainable agriculture, explore the universe of books and through this colour their daily lives. The second series of pictures represent deaf or blind children in a specialized school of Battambang province. Within the school walls, deaf or blind children, thanks to education, are blossoming to reach their full potential as much as any other children. About the photographers Virgine Noel Virginie Noel focuses mainly on artistic portraiture and photographic essays. Her works have been exhibited at the Ministry of Culture of Cambodia, as well as at the 2 Fish Gallery and Meta House in Phnom Penh. She also works for a Phnom Penh-based magazine as well as various clients, from hospitality businesses to NGOs. "In my pictures, I invite the viewer to explore worlds unseen, and incite them to open up to a new perception. I want to raise questions, not answer them. Capturing emotions, like fleeting moments of glimpses into the soul, I attempt to show the raw humanity of my subjects and personally engage the viewer." Peter Harris Specializing in humanitarian photojournalism, documenting relief efforts and development work of NGOs worldwide. In the past year, Peter has focused his work on Thailand, Cambodia, China and Mongolia, producing images that offer viewers intimate glimpses into the lives of ordinary people and provide an opportunity for us to reflect upon, and understand their personal struggles and achievements. "I strive to create images which not only inform, but also initiate the need to become involved... images that cause us to think about and understanding with another person’s struggle, while respecting the dignity of those seen in my photos." Close