Photos of children from the Torres Strait Islands, Australia

Childhood in the Torres Strait may seem like one big holiday on a beautiful tropical island; life seems carefree and safe in these small islands. The kids are self sufficient at an early age and spend their free time roaming the beach, fishing, swimming and playing. But they are taught their language, songs and dances that are still important.

All the islands have Primary schools, but for further education they will have to go further afield: to Thursday Island or further still, to schools in mainland Queensland where, apart from, mainstream schools, there are a number of boarding schools catering especially for indigenous students.

During the school holidays however they will usually come back to their home islands to resume once more a happy life with their beloved families on a beautiful tropical island.