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Mputu Jeanne, Mother, b. 23 March 1960 in Makela Dzombo, Ouige Province; Joelle Yamni Ombi, Daughter, b. 17 January 1986; Laeticia Nzapaombi, Daughter, b. 22 March 1988. Jeanne was born in Angola, but fled when she was six years old. “I don’t really remember anything of Angola because I was too young (when we left). Mama said, ‘We have to go, people are dying here,’ and we left,’” she says. Her two daughters were both born as refugees in Congo but the family plans to return to their homeland in the near futre. The most important thing that they possess is the mattress shown in this photograph, which all three women, and a small child, sleep on. Mama Jeanne says of it, “We bought it for $85. At the time, the children were all sleeping on a mat on the ground, and we decided to give them something better. Her daughter Joelle says that it’s not only that the mattress helps to keep them warm, but “It’s about the family honor, and a way to be proud. When we are in Angola we will use it if someone comes to visit us. We will not be ashamed to give it to them if they want to sleep”. (Photo by Brian Sokol/Panos Pictures)
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