Youth reporters: Empowered by the pen and the lens

When my mother and father moved from their house to an apartment a number of years ago, I was given several boxes of things of mine they’d saved: photos, newspaper clippings, school projects, etc.

One gem was an assignment I did in the 2nd grade, where I’d written a short story and noted my dream of becoming a writer when I grew up. So it should come as no surprise that I have a bit of a soft spot for young people who show an interest in writing and journalism.

Today, I feel incredibly fortunate that I get to write for a living. Even better, I get to write for an organization that helps kids who really need support and opportunities.

One of the many ways CI empowers kids is through our Community Youth Reporter program. This unique program teaches teens valuable skills they just may use in future careers. Plus, as they develop stories and photos about real-life challenges and triumphs in their own communities, they learn their “voices” have value. Others truly care about what they have to say and can be moved to action.

That is an incredible lesson of empowerment — one that helps kids get into employment.

Here are a few highlights from recent Youth Reporter activities, when participants were handed cameras. Look for more in the upcoming issue of Journeys!

This may look like a scavenger hunt, but children in Lusaka, Zambia, often search through refuse for useful items, such as plastic bottles, that can be repurposed to hold tap water and cooking oil. Photographer: Rabbi B. (17), Lusaka, Zambia

Young amigos play outside their CI community center in Quito, Ecuador, while their mothers take care of business inside — attending a meeting for volunteers. Photographer: Lizeth C. (20), Quito, Ecuador

Titled “A Moment Together,” these young girls in Quezon City, Philippines, are taking care of little chicks. Raising chickens for eggs is common throughout the Philippines. Photographer: Nicole S. (15), Quezon City, Philippines

These two boys in Lusaka, Zambia, are on a trek to the nearest water source. For many of our families, that can be a pretty long haul. Did you know that five gallons of water weighs more than 40 pounds? It definitely will take these two longer to get back home once the buckets and jugs are full! Photographer: George S. (19), Lusaka, Zambia

The youth reporter who took this photo says these clasped hands (of youth reporters in Quito, Ecuador) represent the unity, joy and strength that accompany teamwork. Photographer: Vanessa C. (19), Quito, Ecuador

Titled “Priceless,” this shot from a young reporter’s own neighborhood doesn’t really need any further description, does it? Photographer: Tonie L. (20), Quezon City, Philippines

The playgrounds at our community centers are often the only safe, fun spaces that kids like this tyke in Quezon City, Philippines, have to play in. Photographer: Wykha B. (19), Quezon City, Philippines

Through CI’s empowerment fund, the Lusaka Youth Council built a shelter at the Kanyama Self-Help Clinic. Mothers with kids under age 5 who came here to receive treatment were previously exposed to the elements — and occasionally to Zambia’s extreme weather. Photographer: Harrison M. (19), Lusaka, Zambia

“My perfect approach is to break the approach altogether,” photographer Katty says about her process. “Just like the streets in my community that have no rhyme or reason and are full of people who also think and work without structure.” Photographer: Katty C. (16), Quito, Ecuador