“Through Their Lens” Exhibition opens: Syrian refugees share their stories in photos

“Through Their Lens”, a photography exhibition, opened yesterday in Amman, offering an authentic glimpse into the lives of Syrian refugees living in Jordan. The exhibition is the result of a joint initiative under the PROSPECTS partnership — a Netherlands Strategic Partnership with the IFC, ILO, UNHCR, UNICEF, and the World Bank — aimed at improving the prospects of refugees and host communities in Jordan.

Through a series of photography trainings, Syrian refugees were equipped with basic photography and digital storytelling skills. Using only smartphones, participants captured personal stories highlighting their work, family life, education, and daily routines, with submissions from both adults and children.

More than 32 photographs, selected by a jury of humanitarian experts and photographers, are on display at Manara Arts & Culture Center in Al Luweibdeh, to reflect the broad range of experiences shared by participants.

“Under the PROSPECTS partnership, we aim not only to provide support in education, employment, protection, and WASH but also to show the value that refugees bring to the communities they live in. This exhibition is a powerful example of how photography and storytelling can give voice to refugee perspectives,” said H.E. Mr. Harry Verweij, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Jordan.

“This exhibition shows us the reality of life in displacement not through reports or statistics, but through the eyes of those living it. By giving refugees the opportunity to capture and share their own stories, we are reminded that every refugee is also a person with dreams and a voice to be heard. This exhibition is also an opportunity to honor Jordan as a generous host that has provided safety and dignity to those who had to flee their own countries. UNHCR thanks the Kingdom of the Netherlands and its Ambassador to Jordan for continued solidarity with refugees and host communities, and for helping them to realize their dreams through supporting access to social protection, employment, and education.” Maria Stavropoulou, UNHCR Representative to Jordan.

“Behind every photo in this exhibition is a story of courage, hope, and determination to build a better future. We are proud to be part of the PROSPECTS partnership, which not only invests in services and livelihoods but also in the power of people to tell their own stories.” said Holly Benner, World Bank Resident Representative to Jordan.

“IFC is committed to advancing economic inclusion through private sector driven solutions by equipping women, youth, and displaced communities with the tools to succeed. Through targeted entrepreneurship and digital skills training, we help transform potential into investment-ready businesses and meaningful job opportunities. To ensure these efforts are impactful and locally relevant, we work closely with our Prospects partners, aligning economic opportunities with community needs through data-driven market assessments,” said, Marcel Rached, IFC’s Country Head for Jordan. 

“At UNICEF, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to learn, grow, and be heard. Through Their Lens shows what becomes possible when young people are equipped with the right tools and support. Under the PROSPECTS partnership, and thanks to the generous support of the Government of the Netherlands, UNICEF has reached thousands of children and youth with integrated services that combine education, protection, and skills development. This exhibition is a testament to the impact of partnership — not just in delivering services, but in amplifying voices and building futures,” said Shairose Mawji, Acting Representative, UNICEF Jordan.

"As the recent monumental changes in Syria hold a glimmer of hope for refugees to return and rebuild their life in their country, this exhibition is a meaningful reflection of the result of giving people both the tools and the opportunity to tell their story." Said Shaza Al Jondi, ILO Prospects- Regional Chief Technical Adviser for Arab States.

"As part of our commitment to skills building and decent work, the ILO along with its PROSPECTS partners, supported Syrian refugees from across Jordan with training on how to capture photographs using just their phones. As we can see from the event, the outcome has been a very impressive portrayal of life through their eyes. We are very proud of this initiative, which turns skill-building into storytelling and ensures that refugee voices are not only heard, but also seen." 

The exhibition will be open to the public from Wednesday 2 July through to Sunday 5 July 2025. It is expected to attract visitors to reflect on Syrian refugees’ daily lives and aspirations for their future.

PROSPECTS is a global partnership that aims to improve the access of host communities and refuges to quality education, social protection, water and decent work. It Is funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by IFC, ILO, UNHCR, UNICEF and the World Bank.