Using creative media to build visionary leaders

My first field visit was to Galle on a bright Friday morning. It’s been ages since my last visit to Galle, I was excited as so was everyone else. We visited Galle on April 19- 20, 2013 with the expectations of establishing four new youth focus groups from the major Singhalease, Tamil, Muslim and Hindu communities for Voice of Image (VOI) project in the Southern Province. I was briefed on the scope of the project and activities to follow- up prior to my visit as a facilitator. The objective of extending the VOI Youth Photography Project to Sothern Province was to enrich the lives of youth in the region by introducing them to photography as a means for self-expression and an excellent opportunity for personal growth. We work with rural youth hailing from diverse communities,13 and above years of age, who face a variety of challenges in their lives on a daily basis, and who struggle with a combination of poverty, unemployment and deprive enrichment programs and opportunities, through photography, to experience their world and look at their community in new ways and to make positive choices for their lives and their communities. We put cameras in the hands of these low income, at-risk youth and place them in a challenging environment. I identified that through photography VOI members find their voice, identity, creativity, and gain new confidence in their worth and abilities. With the support of two eminent photographers interested in community development.

They teach digital photography to youth from 12 years and above in informal settings can it be a paddy field, open space on a decided time and date.  Most of the youth in the areas selected have little or no experience with photography, art exhibits, or field trips.  All can benefit from a mentoring program like VOI because they are smart, enthusiastic, and creative. I'm glad I was invited to be a part of this!



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