PhotoVoice is a school-based project that trains learners to use photography and writing to chronicle their daily lives, provides a look at the community through its children’s eyes.

Sonke has been running this project since 2006 in communities in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. The project gives children a voice and provides an opportunity to inform adults and local leadership (for example, local government) about the needs and issues of children in the community.

>> View the PhotoVoice Photo Essay on the PhotoVoice project implemented with children in KZN and the Eastern Cape

Nkandla, KZN, 2008

Sonke launched the Nkandal PhotoVoice project in June 2008 with a four-day workshop taking place with 20 children at Mphathesitha High School in Nkandla, KZN. The project gives learners the space to talk about their experiences, hopes and dreams and mobilises adults, especially men, to help them meet their needs.

The learners spoke about problems varying from the dusty roads they need to walk on to school which cause asthma, to their wish for running water and electricity to cut down the amount of time they spend collecting firewood.

The posters produced by the children were exhibited at the community hall in Nkandla, and the exhibition was attended by more than 600 people. Those attending the exhibition were asked to answer questions that were attached to the posters and leave comments. This community feedback was presented to the local government.

Exhibition of PhotoVoice Posters in Nkandla

The project was supported by UNICEF and the local municipality.

Mhlonto, Eastern Cape, 2006

The Mhlonto implementation of the PhotoVoice project was undertaken with 20 young children between the ages of 9 and 11. Since the learners were quite young, this implementation didn't bring out quite the same critical concerns as the Nkandla project.

The learners created their posters in isiXhosa. These were later translated into English.

Issues raised

The issues raised by the children in both Nkandla and Mhlontlo can be grouped into the following themes:

• Gender Equality
• Responding to Poverty
• Hopes and Needs
• Role Models