Unveiled Visions Exhibition & Book Launched

FOTEA Foundation, as part of the PROSPECTS project organised by the International Labour Organization and funded by the Government of the Netherlands, implemented a photography contest titled 'Unveiled Visions: Decent work and social justice through my lens'. Aimed at enhancing skills of refugee and host community youth and empowering them to tell their own stories through photography, FOTEA issued open calls inviting forcibly displaced and host community youths in Nakivale, Imvepi, Rhino settlements, as well as urban youths in Kampala interested in learning how to visually document and represent their narrative using mobile phones.

Fifteen participants from each location were selected for training in basic photography and narrative storytelling. A total of sixty young people across four locations were trained by experienced photojournalists Edward Echwalu , Georgina Goodwin , and Miriam Watsemba on how to use photography to tell powerful stories, share their realities, and work towards gainful employment. They also attended a communications session on how to leverage social media to promote their work.

Ten of the best stories were chosen for an exhibition in commemoration of World Refugee Day on June 20 at Rhino Settlement Camp. These stories were also published in a poignant book highlighting human resilience and the power of youth. The event was attended by Hon. Lilian Aber, Minister of State for Refugees, who presented awards to the top 10 photographers.

"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 training made me curious and observant about people around me and their struggles. I captured the 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, 1st place winner and a refugee from South Sudan living in Rhino camp. 

Looking forward, we hope that they will continue to document and share their perspectives using the skills learned to build their lives and communities.