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2012, Mikuzi, South Africa
These three photos were taken in a small village that was part of a South Africa safari tour we took during the summer of 2012. These little boys had just done an impromptu beatboxing routine for us [beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion] which my friend here video taped. They got a great kick out of seeing themselves!

These kids were alone all day, as were all the other children in the village. We didn't see a single adult because they were all away working somewhere else. No supervision, little to do aside from the excitement of a tour like us coming along. We had a local guide who was paid plus tips, and the village itself got some sort of remuneration but it was clear the whole place was desperately poor. Worst of all, there were several very young girls who were clearly pregnant, far too young. When we entered this area there were large billboards warning locals about 'sugar daddies' – men from larger cities showing up in fancy cars flashing money and clothes to lure young girls. Or boys. I've often wondered what became of these kids.