Turkey
Child-Centered Photovoice Project
The 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye devastated millions, leaving children particularly vulnerable as they continue to live in temporary shelters under challenging conditions.
The Child-Centered Photovoice Project empowered young Turkish and Syrian children between 5-11 years in areas affected by the earthquake in Türkiye to document their experiences and share their perspectives through photography. These children offer unique insights into their emotions, attachments, and environments by capturing moments of their daily lives. The children’s photos enabled them to express their perspectives, advocate for their needs, and contribute to community dialogue. Through the children’s lenses, themes such as family, nature, play, and the lingering impact of the earthquake emerge, showcasing the resilience of young minds amidst adversity. This participatory approach fostered emotional expression and strengthened connections within the community, highlighting the power of visual narratives in advocating for change and improving child well-being in disaster-affected regions.
*All the children’s names have been changed to protect their identities.
Children’s photos from The Child-Centered Photovoice Project were disseminated at the UN General Assembly event, “Act for Early Years Symposium,” in New York with a wide global audience as well as in an international symposium and photo exhibition in Istanbul, called “Through the Eyes of Children: Life After the Earthquake.”