Voices in Frames; Empowering Children and Youth Through Photography and Storytelling
Program Goals: Voices in Frames aims to harness the power of photography to give refugee children and Youth a platform to share their stories, express their emotions, and participate actively in their communities.We combine creative learning with psychosocial support and advocacy, the program nurtures confidence, resilience, and leadership among children and youth.
Program Goals
- Empower children and Youth to safely express their experiences and perspectives through photography.
- Promote children and Youth participation and agency, allowing children to lead in storytelling.
- Provide psychosocial support by using creative activities to process emotions and trauma.
- Foster community awareness and advocacy through exhibitions and photo projects.
- Build life skills and resilience, including creativity, communication, and critical thinking.
How the Program Works
- Week 1: Photography Training; Children and Youth are introduced to cameras and taught photography basics, including focus, composition, lighting, and creative techniques.
- Week 2: Storytelling & Self-Expression; Participants learn to translate their experiences into visual stories. Each photo is paired with captions or narratives that give deeper meaning.
- Week 3: Psychosocial Support Integration; Through photography exercises, children reflect on their feelings, build resilience, and strengthen peer support networks.
- Week 4: Community Engagement & Advocacy; Selected photos are showcased in exhibitions, social media campaigns, and community events, amplifying children’s voices and raising awareness about their realities.
- Week 5: Skill-Building & Future Opportunities; Children and Youth develop transferable skills in visual literacy, creative thinking, and communication. Proceeds if any from selected photo sales support community initiatives and the children themselves.
Sample Activities
During the 5 weeks Voices in Frames Sessions; Children and Youth engages in creative, hands-on activities that help them explore their experiences, express emotions, and tell their stories visually. These activities are designed to build confidence, foster reflection, and encourage community engagement through photography.
- My World in Words: Children and Youth choose 2-3 words to describe their life and take a photo representing it.
- Show Me a Happy Place: Participants photograph spaces or moments that bring them comfort or joy
- Photo for Change: Capturing community challenges such as access to water, schooling, or safe spaces.
- Mini Exhibitions: Children and Youth create 2–5 photos to tell a cohesive story about their lives in.