Making Young People’s Voices Heard Through Photo Stories

Abstract

This article explores the use of the Photovoice method within the Erasmus+ funded YEA (Youth Empowerment through Co-creative Activity Development) project, which aimed to amplify the voices of young people in vulnerable situations across Belgium, Italy, and Finland. Photovoice, a participatory research method, enabled youth to express their experiences, challenges, and sense of belonging through photography. The method proved especially effective in engaging diverse groups, including those with migrant backgrounds, disabilities, or mental health challenges, by offering a non-verbal, creative way to communicate.

The article highlights how Photovoice fostered trust, inclusion, and dialogue between young people and professionals, while also revealing cultural and linguistic nuances in how concepts like “community” were interpreted across countries. Through images and interviews, participants shared deeply personal insights into their lives, aspirations, and the environments they navigate. The project demonstrated that visual storytelling can be a powerful tool for empowerment, reflection, and social connection — especially when traditional forms of communication may fall short.