Syrian refugee girls pose as their future selves in inspiring photo shoot

Girls designed and directed their own shoot based on what they want to be when they grow up

Syrian refugee children may have left everything behind in the war-torn country, but one thing they are firmly clinching onto are their future aspirations.

In an inspiring shoot, photographer Meredith Hutchison captured refugee girls from the war-stricken country dressed as what they want to be when they grow up.

The shoot was a part of Global humanitarian aid organisation The International Rescue Committee’s programme, Vision not Victim, to "give these young refugees the skills and support they need to build a better future for themselves." Hutchison met young girls residing in two refugee camps in Jordan, to ask them about their future aspirations and envision it in a photoshoot, Buzzfeed reported.



Each girl participated in a photo shoot based on what she wants to become when she grows up. The girls designed and directed their own shoot and posed as their future selves. Here are a few girls captured in their future career:

Malack, 16: Police Officer

PHOTO: MEREDITH HUTCHISON/ INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE

“I’ve always wanted to be a policewoman because the police not only keep people safe, but they also create justice in society. Every day I wake up, go to the station, and then head out into the city to see where I can help. I also work to inspire other young girls to become policewomen -- supporting them to dream about their future and thinking about how they will overcome obstacles.”

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Fatima, 11: Surgeon

“In this image, I am examining an X-ray of a patient to see what is causing the pain in her chest. At this point in my life I am a well-respected surgeon in the region. I treat many patients, but the patient I care most about -- the one that drove me to be a doctor -- is my father, who has lots of medical issues. To be able to help my father, this makes me feel strong, powerful, and capable.”

PHOTO: MEREDITH HUTCHISON/ INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE

Muntaha, 12: Photographer

“Since I was a young girl I loved taking people’s photographs. I loved going to different events and documenting what was happening -- both the good and bad. Now, as a professional photographer I use my images to inspire hope in others -- to encourage love and understanding.”

PHOTO: MEREDITH HUTCHISON/INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITEE

Haja, 12: Astronaut

“Ever since we studied the solar system in primary school, I have wanted to be an astronaut. I would imagine myself up in the sky discovering new things. I love being an astronaut because it lets me see the world from a new angle. In this society my path was not easy -- many people told me a girl can’t become an astronaut. Now that I have achieved my goals, I would tell young girls with aspirations to not be afraid, to talk to their parents about what they want and why, to always be confident and know where you want to go.”

PHOTO: MEREDITH HUTCHISON/INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITEE

Hiba, 9: Pediatrician

“I have always wanted to help children, and this is what drove me to be a pediatrician. I am kind and loving, and therefore an excellent doctor that children can trust.”

MEREDITH HUTCHISON/INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE

Nesrine, 11: Police Officer

“I saw a policewoman for the first time when I was 11 -- before that I hadn’t considered it as a career. At that moment of my life I wasn’t even going to school -- I just had no interest. But once I decided this was my dream, I studied hard and pursued it. Now that I am a policewoman, I help many people who are in danger or trouble, and I encourage young girls to get their education so that they can reach their goals.”

MEREDITH HUTCHISON/INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE

Here's a look at some more photos:

Amani, 10: Pilot

PHOTO: MEREDITH HUTCHISON/INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITEE

Nour, 16: Lawyer

PHOTO: MEREDITH HUTCHISON/INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITEE

Merwa, 13: Painter

PHOTO: MEREDITC HUTCHISON/INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITEE

Fatima, 12: Teacher

PHOTO: MEREDITH HUTCHISON/INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITEE

Fatima, 16: Architect

PHOTO: MEREDITH HUTCHISON/INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITEE

Rama, 13: Doctor

PHOTO: MEREDITH HUTCHISON/INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE

Watch the video here: