Capturing Lusaka & Nairobi Youth Stories — A YSP Photo Journey
Ricardo (the project photographer) outside with children from the Lusaka community.
YSP USA initiated a photography project during the last two weeks of July 2024 aimed at showcasing the impact of YSP Africa’s efforts on local communities and documenting the transformative impact of YSP on youth in Zambia, Rwanda, and Kenya. This initiative empowered young people to share their perspectives through photography, highlighting the challenges they face and the influence of YSP on their lives.
The primary goal of this project was to engage youth in Africa by enabling them to tell their own stories through photography. By providing disposable cameras, YSP USA aimed to create a visual narrative that demonstrates the profound impact of YSP on local communities. These photographs, taken by the youth themselves, serve not only as a bridge between America and Africa but also as a powerful storytelling tool that captures the attention of a broader audience.
Storytelling, particularly when combined with photography, is a compelling way to humanize and bring attention to the challenges faced by young people. It fosters emotional connections, builds trust, and motivates public support. Through the personal stories and images captured by these youth, YSP USA seeks to illustrate the tangible impact of their work, making the issues more relatable and inspiring action from various stakeholders.
LUSAKA, zambia
In Lusaka, YSP USA collaborated with the local YSP chapter to distribute disposable cameras to youth participants aged 10-29. These participants were guided by Ricardo J. Partida, an experienced photographer, who provided a photography lesson to help them capture their communities and daily lives. The youth highlighted significant challenges such as rampant alcoholism, the degradation of moral values, and youth unemployment. The local YSP chapter has been working to address these issues through character education programs, aiming to shift the culture and fill educational gaps.
Kigali, Rwanda
In Kigali, YSP USA engaged with youth in discussions about what they needed to reach their full potential. The youth emphasized the necessity of skill-building programs to overcome challenges such as a lack of self-education culture, limited opportunities for entrepreneurship, and government restrictions on fundraising. These discussions underscored the importance of creating more opportunities for skill development and career advancement for Rwandan youth.
NAIROBI, KENYA
In Nairobi, YSP USA conducted a similar photography project on a smaller scale. Youth participants expressed frustration with the challenges they face in starting their careers after completing their education, particularly due to a lack of job opportunities. While access to education is not a significant issue, securing employment remains a major challenge. The youth’s dissatisfaction was reflected in the recent protests against the government, highlighting the need for more job opportunities.
The photography project revealed common challenges across the African chapters visited, particularly the need for internships and skill-building opportunities to help youth kickstart their careers. In response, YSP USA has prioritized advocating for more opportunities for career development and creating additional programs tailored to these needs. It is essential for young people to play an active role as both partners and leaders in their own skill development, ensuring they are not just passive recipients but active contributors to their own growth and the development of their communities.