Photovoice: A Focus on Dialogue, Young People, Peace and Change

by Michael Ogunnusi – [ Journal of Dialogue Studies Vol 7 ]

Abstract

This paper explores how dialogue was introduced by the author through a model of praxis called ‘Young People Peace and Change.’ It was developed through community-based research, and further supported by evidence from school-based youth work, with young people in two cities in England. The paper focuses on the role of dialogue as part of Photovoice, linked to the duality of our praxis to provoke consciousness and action. It is an exciting and innovative theory-driven approach that actively seeks to help young people identify, understand and transform pressing issues and challenges of peace in their everyday lives. The work emerges from the belief that part of the solution to young people and violence is embedded in their common concerns and aspirations for peace, which can be elicited by bringing them safely into dialogue. Furthermore, the project seeks to cultivate real change by helping young people to ‘speak’ and self-advocate through a range of methodologies including photography, photo-elicitation and public engagement, to inform youth serving systems. ‘Young People Peace and Change’ has been awarded and recognised for successfully engaging a significantly vulnerable community of young people (including those at risk of violence). It has great potential for replicability and wider implications for practitioners, students, policy makers and research.