Overview

A workshop for MENA migrants to share their stories and experiences through the medium of photography.

 

About the Workshop

What does home mean? Where do you feel a sense of belonging? What places in Bonn tell the story of your journey?

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This two-day PhotoVoice workshop invites people with Middle Eastern and North African backgrounds living in Bonn to explore these questions through photography, storytelling, and dialogue. Together, we will discover how everyday images can become powerful tools for sharing experiences, building connections, and creating positive social change.

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Whether you have lived in Germany for many years or have only recently arrived, your perspective is valuable. Join us for an experience that celebrates diverse voices, encourages meaningful conversations, and strengthens our community.

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What is PhotoVoice?

PhotoVoice is an internationally recognized participatory method that combines photography with storytelling. Instead of focusing on taking technically perfect photographs, participants use images to capture moments, places, emotions, and experiences that reflect their lives.

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Photographs become the beginning of a conversation. Through guided discussions, participants explore the stories behind their images, gaining new insights into their own experiences while learning from those of others.

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PhotoVoice has been used around the world to amplify community voices, promote social inclusion, and encourage dialogue between communities and decision-makers.

 

What You'll Do

Participants will:

• Learn the basics of the PhotoVoice storytelling method.

• Explore Bonn together through guided photography walks.

• Capture images that reflect their experiences, identities, and perspectives.

• Share the stories behind their photographs in a welcoming group environment.

• Reflect on themes such as migration, identity, belonging, culture, opportunity, resilience, and community.

• Connect with others through discussion, creativity, and shared experiences.

No photography experience is required. A smartphone or camera is all you need.

 

Why Join?

Migration is a deeply personal experience, and every journey is different. This workshop creates a welcoming space where participants can express themselves creatively while meeting others with similar and diverse experiences.

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Together, we will explore questions such as:

• What makes you feel at home?

• Which places in Bonn are meaningful to you?

• What challenges have shaped your journey?

• What gives you hope for the future?

• How can our stories help others better understand migrant experiences?

 

By sharing our perspectives, we can challenge stereotypes, build empathy, and celebrate the richness that diverse communities bring to our city.

 

Making Our Voices Heard

PhotoVoice is also a form of civic participation. By documenting everyday experiences and sharing the stories behind them, participants contribute to a broader conversation about migration, inclusion, and life in Bonn.

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The photographs and stories developed during the workshop can help raise awareness of migrant experiences, inspire dialogue within the wider community, and demonstrate how personal narratives can contribute to more inclusive communities and informed decision-making.

 

Who Can Participate?

This workshop is open to all with Middle Eastern or North African backgrounds who live in Bonn or the surrounding region.

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No photography experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome, regardless of artistic ability or how long they have lived in Germany.

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Bring your curiosity, your perspective, and your story, we'll take care of the rest.