Objectives

• To engage children into an assessment process of their everyday space
• To give voice to children and youth for expressing their views
• To identify the needs of groups with no previous expertise in spatial assessment methods
• To bridge the communication gap between children /youth and the decision makers.

Results

The expected results of the method is the documentation of children’s views, needs, concerns and thoughts on their everyday space.

Description

<aside> 🔑 Photovoice is a method for visually describing places and experiences.

1st session:

The facilitator gives one green and one red frame to each participant group and a set of questions tailored to the project scope. The participants are asked to “frame” their findings (e.g. an area, an element, a view) with the coloured frames and take a photo. The colour of the frame (green or red) indicates a positive or a negative notion. The participants can also write a brief description for each photo taken.

2nd session:

The facilitator projects or prints the photos of each group. The participants gather together and representatives from each group explain their findings and share reflections. Depending on the context of the project, community members and decision makers can be invited to the discussion. Additionally, the images can be displayed in the form of an exhibition. The photo display can help catalyse communication between children and decision makers.

</aside>

Steps

Children are a sensitive group of participants; before scheduling any participatory activity with children, ensure that you have received the appropriate permits and are in compliance with all applicable regulations (e.g., parent’s approval, GDPR, etc.)

1st session:

• Take the participants to the site for exploration (schoolyard, neighbourhood etc)
• Introduce the activity (what you plan to do and why, how to use the coloured frames, distribute activity’s materials)
• Ensure that everyone knows how to use the camera
• Appoint roles to the participants (photographers, note keepers)
• To facilitate the discussion (2nd session) you can ask children to write a short description for each photo

2nd session:

• Gather all participants together
• Project or print images so that all participants can view them
• Ask participants to present their photos and share their findings and thoughts