From smartphones to social change: ILO launches a photo exhibition of refugee and host community youths

Rhino camp, UGANDA (ILO NEWS) - Imagine using your smartphone to not only capture moments, but to tell powerful stories, advocate for change, and bridge cultural divides. This is exactly what 60 young people from refugee and host communities in Uganda achieved through a unique program, “Unveiled Visions: Decent work and social justice through my lens”.

An exhibition of photos captured by the host and refugee community youth was launched on World Refugee Day at West Nile, Uganda in the presence of Minister of State for Refugees – Hon. Lilian Aber. Out of the 60 youth, top 10 participants were awarded by the Hon. Minister recognizing their photography and story-telling skills.

© ILO

The initiative, funded by the Government of the Netherlands supported Partnership for improving prospects for forcibly displaced persons and host communities (PROSPECTS) and implemented by International Labour Organization (ILO) and FOTEA Foundation aimed to empower young people with mobile photography skills through a series of training sessions, mentoring support and networking to build a career in the sector of photography. 

"We are very happy with the beautiful work the participants have created during this program," said Karin Boven, Ambassador of the Government of the Netherlands in Uganda. She added, " When young refugees are empowered through education, vocational training and livelihood opportunities – as is done by the PROSPECTS partnership – they are enabled to shape their lives.”

© ILO

With its progressive refugee policy, Uganda is a home to the largest refugee population in Africa. However, the need for young people to develop tools to navigate displacement and contribute meaningfully to their communities remains ever-present. Evans Lwanga, Chief Technical Advisor with the ILO PROSPECTS, Uganda, shared, “We recognize the value of visual literacy in documenting varied experiences and fostering understanding and peaceful coexistence amidst the country's growing diversity."

A foundational program offering workshops on basic mobile photography, narrative storytelling and social media promotion was launched. “Participants learned the technical aspects of capturing compelling images using their smartphones. They explored techniques to effectively communicate their stories and perspectives through their photographs and social media training equipped them to leverage social media platforms to advocate for decent work opportunities, social justice, and youth right,” explained the Stella Nantongo Co-Director, FOTEA Foundation.

© ILO

The program resonated deeply with young people, attracting 94 applications. Following a selection process, 15 participants from each location (Nakivale, Imvepi, Rhino settlements, and Kampala District) embarked on an intensive training journey. Under the guidance of renowned photojournalists and educators, these young storytellers honed their photography skills and discovered the power of visual narratives.

"Before this program, my phone was just a way to stay connected but now I can share my story to my community and to the world. The course made me curious and observant about people around me and their struggles. I captured story of this 17-year-old boy who was working hard to put food on the table for his family. I was moved by it. I am keen about sharing these skills with others in my community and empower them,” 

Lalaka Samuel, one of the winning participants and a refugee from South Sudan living in Rhino camp. 

The program culminated in the creation of a photo book, featuring the 10 most impactful stories.  These stories, documented entirely through mobile phones,  offer a glimpse into the lives, challenges, and aspirations of refugee and host community youths in Uganda.

The photo book serves not just as a beautiful collection of images, but as a testament to the power of youth, technology, and storytelling. It is a call for understanding, a celebration of resilience, and a beacon of hope for a more just and equitable future.