Stories are powerful: they weave people and experiences together and shape how we see the world. Knowing the impact and value of a well-told story, ACIC’s PhotoVoices Program empowers youth to share the narratives they want to tell through photos.  

Through the program, Atlantic Canadian youth and youth from the Global South use photos to share their stories, build skills, explore the Sustainable Development Goals, learn from experts in the field, and so much more. 

Gender inequality is deeply rooted in our society. Women and girls worldwide are under-represented in leadership positions, refused access to education, economic empowerment, and essential health services, and are targeted victims of violence and discrimination. While all women face inequality, the consequences can be harsher for those coping with intersectional factors. Not all women share the same experiences, therefore strategies for change must also consider the effects of race, class, age, sexuality, ability, and nationality. Solutions to address these issues must be led by self-determining people in collaboration with their Communities and Nations. Given this reality, the 2024 PhotoVoice program will focus on female-identified and/or Two Spirit-identified youth. 

ACIC is currently seeking an international partner/s for its PhotoVoices Program. The purpose of this program is to help budding photographers/journalists build their skills and portfolios while taking part in an intercultural program. The program will include youth 18-29 years from Atlantic Canada and youth from the partner organization/s country. 

Program timeline

• International partner selection: November 1, 2023 

• Youth recruitment: November to January 2023/24 

• Program start date: January 21, 2024 

• 10 youth sessions will be held weekly from January 21 to March 24, 2024 

• Program end date: March 2024 

• Final report (narrative and financial): April 15, 2024  

Role of the Partner Organization: 

• Select 10-15 eligible, female-identified youth for the program 

• Liaise with ACIC to make decisions on program implementation 

• Provide support to youth participants in all aspects of the program to ensure a positive experience and completion 

• Administer program funds in accordance with ACIC funding requirements 

• Complete mid-project and final reports (narrative and financial) 

Partner Qualifications: 

• Partner must be located in an Official Development Assistance (ODA) country Must be a registered charity, non-governmental, non-profit, or civil society organization Must have been established in 2017 or earlier 

• Must work directly with youth ages 18-29 Youth must have English proficiency (at a minimum) Must have the organizational capacity to support the program Must have a strong commitment to supporting and strengthening gender equality through their programs  

Note: This application is for the international partner to complete, not for youth. Youth do not need to be selected in advance of submitting the application. 

ACIC members and partners will be given priority. 

For more information contact Jackie at 902.431.2311 or jackie@acic-caci.org. 

More information about the program: 

To achieve program goals, the PhotoVoices Program uses Participatory Action Research and the process of photovoice as a visually effective and transforming process, which helps to communicate diverse understandings and needs. It is most useful in: Empowering marginalized and underserved individuals & communities Connecting disparate community voices.

Raising awareness & action on community issues Evaluating collaborative initiatives  Reaching and motivating decision makers   (McRuer, J (July 2020). Photovoice: A Basic Guide to Support Participatory Action Processes for Transformative Community Building)