16 youth across Atlantic Canada have spent the last eight weeks creating a snapshot of what resilience during the pandemic looks like from their perspective.
The Atlantic Youth Weavers (AYW) Photovoice project is a joint initiative between Inspiring Communities initiative WeavEast and the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation, providing participants the opportunity to document their experiences during the pandemic.
Atlantic Council for International Cooperation Youth Program Director Jackie Dowling says youth will achieve this through participatory action and Photovoice.
“Usually we run youth programs face-to-face and with not being able to do that during the pandemic we were looking for ways that youth could be active and engaged in the community,” she said.
Lunenburg resident Ashley Bradford, 20, says the Photovoice project was recommended to her by a neighbour who is a photographer.
“My focus has been on the economic impact COVID-19 has had on the tourism industry. The streets are usually full of tourists this time of year, so I just went out and captured what I saw- closed streets, empty wharves, closed signs- just the complete change that has taken place,” she said.
Bradford says the experience has given her a new sense of community.
“Being able to interact with different youth across Atlantic Canada and discuss the issues we all share, but also different issues, has been really been rewarding.”
The project photos will be released on the ACIC and WeavEast Instagram and Facebook accounts starting Monday, June 29.
