As part of its ongoing Prevention and Protection Interventions project with Amna – Refugee Healing Network, ARDD has successfully implemented the PhotoVoice Initiative—a creative and participatory tool designed to monitor and evaluate the project’s impact on local communities. Delivered in collaboration with Amna’s partner in Jordan, the Collateral Repair Project (CRP), this youth-centered initiative empowers young people to document and express their lived experiences through photography, providing a safe and engaging platform for expression, reflection, and dialogue.
As an internationally recognized participatory methodology, PhotoVoice enables individuals to communicate their perspectives through photographs accompanied by guided group discussions. By capturing meaningful images, participants highlight the issues that matter most to them, share their aspirations for the future, and spark conversations within their communities.
Within this initiative, PhotoVoice serves two intertwined purposes. It enhances the evaluation of the Community Partnership Program (CPP) by generating deeper, human-centered insights into the daily experiences of participants. At the same time, it encourages youth expression and strengthens community engagement by fostering creativity, confidence, and constructive dialogue among adolescents.
ARDD and CRP engaged 20 young participants aged 12–18, who took part in an introductory training delivered by an Amna expert and focused on the basics of photography and storytelling. Throughout the project, participants captured photographs in response to thematic prompts such as “What makes you feel safe?” and “Where do you feel you belong?”. They also participated in reflective group discussions to explore the meanings behind their images and selected a series of photos and personal narratives to be featured in a final public exhibition.
This process encouraged young people to observe their surroundings more closely, think critically about their experiences, and express their stories in impactful and visually compelling ways.
Importantly, several parents accompanied and supported their children during the sessions, and they, too, are direct beneficiaries of the Prevention and Protection Interventions project implemented by ARDD.
The initiative culminated in a PhotoVoice Exhibition co-organized by ARDD and CRP at CRP’s community space, where selected participants proudly presented their photographs and stories. The event welcomed families, partners, and community members into an inclusive and warm atmosphere that encouraged conversation and connection. Attendees explored the visual narratives, listened to youth reflections, and engaged in meaningful dialogue inspired by their artwork.
Through the PhotoVoice initiative, ARDD reaffirms its commitment to amplifying community voices, particularly the voices of youth and children, and ensuring that their perspectives help shape future programs, narratives, and opportunities. The initiative stands as a testament to ARDD’s dedication to fostering creativity, strengthening dialogue, and ensuring that the lived realities of young people are seen, heard, and valued.
