“The Power of Photography in Youth Work” was an international Training Course hosted by YETF in Paphos, bringing together 30 youth workers from six European NGOs for a practical, creative, and highly engaging exploration of photography as a tool in non-formal education. Over six intensive days, participants learned how visual storytelling can strengthen youth participation, inclusion, creativity, and community engagement.
The programme blended hands-on photography workshops with non-formal learning activities, enabling youth workers to experience and later apply at least four major photography-based educational methods. Participants experimented with camera techniques, explored composition and creative angles, and learned how to use photography to spark dialogue, teamwork, and critical thinking among young people.
A central part of the course focused on PhotoVoice, where teams captured images of their surroundings to reflect on community strengths, challenges, and stories that deserve to be seen. They also experimented with PhotoStory, visual narratives, 6-word stories, storytelling through Canva, and simulation-based activities linking photography with citizenship and social impact.
One of the highlights of the project was the practical workshop delivered by participants in a local high school, where youth workers tested photography-based methods directly with young people. This activity improved their confidence, strengthened their facilitation skills, and demonstrated the power of images to connect with youth across cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds.
Throughout the week, participants developed a deeper understanding of how photography can make youth work more dynamic, inclusive, and motivating. They improved their technical skills, strengthened their creativity, and gained confidence in designing and implementing visual activities that encourage expression, participation, and civic engagement.
The course concluded with personal Photo Stories, dissemination planning, and discussions on future Erasmus+ collaborations. Participants left inspired and motivated, ready to use photography in their daily work to reach more young people, stimulate creativity, and help youth express their perspectives in meaningful, accessible ways.
