Workshop 1

Summer 2013, Workshop 1: "The Training of Trainers"

                We’re thrilled to report that summer 2013 was incredibly eventful for Peace in Focus. We partnered with ACEDONE (African Community Economic Development of New England) for the third summer in a row.  We started off with a two-week workshop called the “training of trainers.” Our goal for this workshop was to train 5 college students in digital storytelling facilitation. Thus, by the end of the training, all five would be Peace in Focus facilitators, enabling them to help us lead a second workshop for high school students. The first workshop took place from June 3^rd and ran through June 14^th. We worked with amazing young people who are not only passionate about their busy college lives, but also about becoming leaders in their community of Somali immigrants and refugees.

                Our workshop started with the students brainstorming about their goals and expectations. 

In this way, we all held each other accountable to our group rules, expectations, and goals. We moved quickly through the Peace in Focus training manual, in which there were three modules. Activities in these modules include story of self, self-lens, life plot, as well as composition tips, visual literacy, and the art of effective digital storytelling. In this way, our students simultaneously increased their knowledge of camera-use, while practicing digital storytelling. 

The students learned to photograph objects, locations, people and places in their neighborhoods that they wanted to change. Thus, the photography was used as a lens through which students looked and saw what they wished to change about their communities.

                All of our college students who participated in Workshop 1 have a strong connection to Somalia. Each of their parents came to the US from Somalia either by choice, or as a result of conflict within Somalia. We had numerous lively debates and conversations about how Somalia is portrayed in the news. We used Somalia as an example of how we can use photography as a catalyst for positive change in order to combat the media’s negative portrayal of both Somalia and Africa. “The Danger of a Single Story,” a TED Talk by Chimamanda Adichie sparked even more debate about the story of Somalia. By the end of our workshop, the students came to the conclusion that educating others through digital storytelling truly could have a positive result, and slowly we can work together to change the narrative of Somalia and Africa.

                The overarching goal of the “training of trainers” was to enable our students to become PIF facilitators. We successfully accomplished this, and our incredible college students were ready to take on the 15-20 high school students during Workshop 2!

                To see some of our students’ bios, as well as more photos from Workshop 1, please click this link to our Facebook album from Workshop 1.

Stereotypes Facing Africans

    

Stereotypes are problems that Africans face a lot. For example Somali people have been identified as pirates and terrorists but they are not. Africa is identified as a very poor continent even though Africa is very rich in culture and natural resourses. Africans are identified as illeterate, not brave and often seen as one, but in reality the continent is extremely diverse, and some countries in Africa even have their own writing system as for example Ethiopians do. Ethiopians and Somalis have defeated Italians when they were trying to colonize them, which shows that they are brave. Africa is also viewed as a very uncivilized place which is filled by jungle and Africans live in the jungle running around naked, but in reality most of Africa is urban and most Africans lead an urban life and wear clothes.

Challenges Immigrants Face

When immigrants first come to a new country they go through a lot of problems and hit a brick wall. Immigrants face problems economically, socially and they face some type of discrimination. Immigrants usually feel isolated and different but if they understand the fact that they are in the USA now and they are part America and they should still retain their culture. Moreover, if immigrants have community people and organizations by their side they are more likely to succeed and improve both economically and socially. On the other hand, immigrants almost always need help finding jobs and a good education and that’s usually what organizations are there for. For example, there is an organization in the Boston area called ACEDONE and it mainly focuses on youth’s education but always helps adults find jobs. They helped hundreds of new immigrants get a job and apply for social security, food stamps and other helping programs from the government. On the other hand, there is another organization SDC that helps African communities especially Somalis with any legal problems with the government such as jury duty, housing hearings and any problems with the law.

Who We Are...

Since we ask our students to describe themselves through words and images, we thought we should share who we are...

Joel, our Program Coordinator describes his work with Peace in Focus & gives you a tour of our space:

Who We Are...

Since we ask our students to describe themselves through words and images, we thought we should share who we are...


Renee, our Communications Coordinator describes her work with Peace in Focus:

"I AM" Photography Exhibit was a success!

Thank you to everyone (especially Youth In Action Somalia) who came out and supported our recent photography exhibit at United South End Settlements! The event featured artwork by youth in the US, Africa, and Caribbean.  Inspiring youth participants from our Boston programs talked about their inspirations and experiences. 

We are excited to continue bringing great programs this summer. Look for our photography exhibit opening in the gallery space in Boston City Hall this July and more workshops coming up in Boston and Mexico this summer!

Check out these photos from the "I AM" Photography Exhibit: 

Small Shelter

Thank you for sending us your photos for our "Homecoming" Photo Contest!

Check out this photo taken by Tatevik, a 23 year old from Yerevan Armenia:

This photo shows my room. My small, old room, which I designed with different posters, funny and cute stuff. I love and miss my small shelter where I spend all my life every time I leave.  

Who We Are...

Since we ask our students to describe themselves through words and images, we thought we should share who we are...

Jonas, our Curriculum Development Coordinator describes his work with Peace in Focus:

I Am: An Exploration of Identity Community and Homecoming

Peace in Focus Photo Exhibit

I Am: An Exploration of Identity Community and Homecoming

May 23, 2012 from 6-8pm

United South End Settlements