I fled my home country after the war broke out and came to the UK seeking sanctuary. I have been waiting for over a year for a decision on my asylum claim. I suffered from depression and felt my life was stuck forever.

I saw the poster of the PAYANAM photography workshop and decided to apply, but I thought I would not be accepted. I was so happy when I learned that I had been offered a place to join the training!

This photography training was a life changer for me. Even though I lived in Watford (outside London) for 12 months, I have never seen the city and never walked around in London. I have always traveled via the underground. However, after this photography workshop, I became keen to see London for the sake of taking pictures, I started to travel by bus and go on long walks, and I appreciated the beauty of the city and nature.

I am forever grateful to Ravi, Alex, and JJ, for introducing me to the camera and photography. Now, I go out to take photos when I feel down.