The Kids of Robb Elementary

For the children of Uvalde, Texas, the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School has left emotional wounds that may never heal.

But their hometown is much more to them than the site of a tragedy.

Uvalde is where some families have lived for generations. It’s where their happy places, their safe spaces and their loved ones reside. It’s where they honor the lives of the 21 people who died on May 24 – many of whom were friends or relatives.

In partnership with ABC News, eight former Robb Elementary School students learned the basics of photography and took moving portraits of the town and people who mean so much to them over the course of several weeks.

Here is a look at the world through their eyes:

Each of the children who participated in the project had a different story to tell, despite their common bond.

The children of Uvalde who participated in the project described their hometown, outside San Antonio, in many different ways -- “fun,” “nice,” “busy” and “small.” When asked to capture what Uvalde means to them through their photography, they visited places where the community congregates most – schools, libraries, and the memorials honoring the victims of the shooting.

Each of the children who participated in the project had a different story to tell, despite their common bond.

Khloie, 11, said she believes Uvalde deserves to be seen as the joyful place that it is, despite the tragedy that it has become known for. “Uvalde is a really fun place, even though there's been a lot going on through the past few months,” she said. “It's really cool. And I think people should come visit more often.”

Families, and the memories they make together, are important pillars for the children of Robb. I love that I have a big family and they're caring. They always like to help people,” said Madison, 10.

Some reminisced about big family parties for the holidays, while others regarded parents and grandparents in high esteem.

“My grandma is just really nice and kind and really sweet,” said Athena, 9. “I like to play games with [mom and grandma].

Mario, 11, who has a baby sister on the way, said he pays particular attention to his mom. “My [step]mom, she’s always happy,” he told ABC News. “I have to be taking care of her...while she has a baby inside of her.

When the children were asked about what makes them happy, many of them responded by listing members of their family.

Happiness for the children in Uvalde takes many shapes. Noah, 10, said he finds comfort in drawing, playing video games and watching TV. “They just make me feel relaxed,” he said.

Madison has a long list of things, including “my birthday, getting hugs, and painting.” She, alongside several of her classmates, has embraced drawing and painting as a way to unwind. “Whenever I paint it just makes me happy,” she said.

For Daniel, 9, a photo of his mom and his little brother and sister together, represents what made him happy.

As the children of Robb look for some kind of normalcy following the May 24 tragedy, many of them have sought out safe places or people to lean on in the process. For Noah, it’s the constant company of the two parakeets he cares for in his bedroom. “The blue one is named Rico and the green one was named Saul,” he said.

Madison said she feels safe when she’s at church praying with her family. “Because I can talk to God. And I know I am safe there,” she said.

Cameras were graciously donated by Canon.