“Framing Our Confidence: Unlocking Self-Esteem through Photography” – (FOCUS) is an Erasmus+ Training Course designed to strengthen the capacity of youth workers to support young people’s self-esteem, identity development, and emotional well-being through creative, photography-based methods. The project brings together youth workers from several European countries to explore visual storytelling, self-portrait photography, and zine-making as non-formal education tools that empower young people to express themselves, challenge negative self-image, and build resilience in the digital age.
What’s the aim?
The aim of the project is to strengthen the capacity of youth workers to support young people’s self-esteem, identity development, and emotional well-being through creative and participatory learning methods. The project focuses on introducing photography and visual storytelling as innovative non-formal education tools that enable young people to express themselves, reflect on their identity, and build confidence in a supportive environment. By equipping youth workers with practical methodologies and intercultural perspectives, the project aims to promote inclusive youth work practices that help young people overcome social pressures related to body image, self-perception, and digital media influences.
What are the project objectives?
The main objectives of the project are:
- To strengthen the capacity of youth workers to support young people’s self-esteem, identity development, and emotional well-being through creative and participatory methods.
- To introduce photography and visual storytelling as innovative non-formal education tools that encourage self-expression, reflection, and personal empowerment among young people.
- To improve youth workers’ competences in addressing sensitive topics such as body image, self-confidence, and the influence of social media.
- To promote inclusive youth work practices that effectively engage young people with fewer opportunities, including those from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds.
- To encourage intercultural learning and exchange of good practices among youth workers from different European countries.
- To develop practical resources, such as a collective photo-zine and toolkit, that can be used by youth workers in their local communities.
