Changemaker

Dozen teenagers discovered that phones could be much more than just a communication tool, a way to express their ideas and share their understanding of the urban garden. This is how the PhotoVoice experience began, where images become stories or realities of life.

Meeting peers for fun is important to discuss health and be healthy.

This was at co-design pilot that focused on the understanding of PhotoVoice, which is a participatory method that combines photography and collective discussion to give expression to a target group on a given subject. From the first session, the adolescents were excited to discover an approach that was brand new to them. The PhotoVoice approach, its objectives and ethical principles were presented. Participants also learned how to handle the smartphone camera, how to give a title or a story to their photos, and above all how to respect privacy and confidentiality. They understood that the images have power to make their thoughts expressed and their voices heard on various subjects, particularly the urban gardening and health in its entirety.

The answer to the question of the representation of an urban garden took shape in images. Some adolescents photographed a garden with onions, lettuce, cabbage or peppers, and others chose to capture the garden’s irrigation devices. Beyond the garden, some turned to prayer spaces, play areas, or peer playing – showing that for them, sport, prayer and moments of relaxation are part of health.

The photos were compiled and presented in a classroom where each adolescent spoke to explain the meaning of their photo choices. For example, an adolescent girl captured the garden and explained the good health that could result from consuming the crops, “this salad garden is pretty and eating this healthy salad will contribute to the well-being of teenagers.” Another participant emphasized the contribution of water to the good health of the crops in the garden, “This photo shows a garden with onions and lettuce, a well and canisters for watering the garden so that the plants are healthy.”

These discussions revealed a wealth of perspectives and an awareness of the links between the environment, sport, food and well-being. Little by little, a mosaic of ideas emerged: the representation of a garden to ensure well-being, the importance of nutritious food, access to water, the need for clean spaces, but also the role of games and sport in the well-being of adolescents. The adolescents summarized these collective themes, transforming individual images into a shared vision.

Beyond the photos, PhotoVoice opened a space for expression where adolescents felt listened. They discovered that their perspective on health is not only relevant, but also essential to inspiring change around them, including in their schools and communities. So, their PhotoVoice journey doesn’t stop at simple photo-taking fun.

This engagement was a first step towards greater involvement of adolescents in building healthier and more sustainable school and community environments.