I supervised Lee Huishi's "The Orange Struggle" photojournalism final year project in 2007. In addition to a report and a limited of books in addition to a planned photo exhibition, Huishi chose a different angle to photograph the struggles of the victims by focusing on the different facets of their lives. Although the Vietnam War ended over 3 decades ago, before a lawsuit brought by Vietnamese plaintiffs in June 31, 2004, victims often believed that the deformities and illnesses were punishments from God for something wrong they did.

Her project illustrates not only the sufferings but also the perseverance and hope of the victims and caregivers. She stayed with a family who has been burdened by the effects of Agent Orange. She hopes to illuminate the struggle of everyday life that left some of the victims fighting for survival and fending for their lives.

The photographs were turned to gray scales for dramatization purposes and the choice of angular and robotic, machine-like type style was to reflect an inhumane side of the non discriminating agent that has and will continue to kill many.

Despite the lack of color, the images were dramatic such as Tran Minh Yen, 8, who was born with a serious skin condition called X-linked ichthyosis. His parents were exposed to Agent Orange while fighting for the Resistance Army.

(Jan - Nov 2007)