New Photography Project Shows Young Migrants' Experiences in All Their Complexity
A new photography project aims to humanize the often-misunderstood experience of young migrants crossing borders. The GRABS project, funded by the European Research Council, is using innovative methods such as photography exhibitions and podcasts to document the lives of these youngsters.
The team behind the project is led by Dr Glenda Santana de Andrade from Paris 8 University, who believes that "by simply listening to their stories, we are missing out on a deeper understanding of their experiences." Instead, the GRABS team is trying to get inside their heads and see the world through their eyes.
The photographers involved in the project, including Israel Wabikamba, have captured powerful images of young migrants in various stages of their journey. These photographs not only showcase the resilience and determination of these individuals but also highlight the complexities and challenges they face along the way.
One such exhibition is currently on display in Durban, South Africa, where locals and visitors alike are able to experience the stories of these young migrants firsthand. The exhibition features a range of images, from portraits of individual migrants to group shots of families and friends.
The GRABS project is part of a growing effort to shed light on the often-overlooked experiences of young migrants. As Dr Glenda Santana de Andrade puts it, "we need to see these young people as individuals with hopes, dreams, and fears – not just statistics or headlines."
By sharing their stories through photography, the GRABS team is working towards a more nuanced understanding of migration and its impact on young lives. The exhibition is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the importance of amplifying the voices that need to be heard.
In an era where migration continues to dominate global headlines, it's easy to lose sight of the human side of this complex issue. But with projects like GRABS, we can begin to see beyond the headlines and into the hearts and minds of those affected.
A new photography project aims to humanize the often-misunderstood experience of young migrants crossing borders. The GRABS project, funded by the European Research Council, is using innovative methods such as photography exhibitions and podcasts to document the lives of these youngsters.
The team behind the project is led by Dr Glenda Santana de Andrade from Paris 8 University, who believes that "by simply listening to their stories, we are missing out on a deeper understanding of their experiences." Instead, the GRABS team is trying to get inside their heads and see the world through their eyes.
The photographers involved in the project, including Israel Wabikamba, have captured powerful images of young migrants in various stages of their journey. These photographs not only showcase the resilience and determination of these individuals but also highlight the complexities and challenges they face along the way.
One such exhibition is currently on display in Durban, South Africa, where locals and visitors alike are able to experience the stories of these young migrants firsthand. The exhibition features a range of images, from portraits of individual migrants to group shots of families and friends.
The GRABS project is part of a growing effort to shed light on the often-overlooked experiences of young migrants. As Dr Glenda Santana de Andrade puts it, "we need to see these young people as individuals with hopes, dreams, and fears – not just statistics or headlines."
By sharing their stories through photography, the GRABS team is working towards a more nuanced understanding of migration and its impact on young lives. The exhibition is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the importance of amplifying the voices that need to be heard.
In an era where migration continues to dominate global headlines, it's easy to lose sight of the human side of this complex issue. But with projects like GRABS, we can begin to see beyond the headlines and into the hearts and minds of those affected.
I mean, it's a great idea in theory, but what about all the young migrants who don't have access to cameras or can't even speak English? It feels like we're just using our privilege to amplify some people's voices while ignoring others. 
On the other hand, I think it's amazing that the GRABS project is trying to show a more nuanced side of migration... 
But what if we're just perpetuating the same stereotypes and myths about migrants? 
It's all so complicated, you know? 
. It's crazy how they're just trying to chase their dreams but are met with so much uncertainty and hardship. I remember when I was traveling abroad, it was all about having an adventure and making new friends... nowadays, it feels like a journey of survival. The pictures from this GRABS project are incredible - you can literally feel the fear and hope in each photo 
. We need more stories like this to humanize the issue and not just treat it as a news headline 
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THE GRABS PROJECT IS DOING SUCH GREAT WORK IN HUMANIZING THEIR STORIES AND SHOWCASING THEIR RESILIENCE. WE NEED MORE OF THIS KIND OF VISUAL STORYTELLING TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE COMPLEXITIES OF MIGRATION 
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. I mean, isn't it just gonna be a bunch of fancy pics with some stories thrown in? I'd rather see more tangible results, like policy changes or community programs that actually help these kids out 
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It makes me think about all the times I've seen people saying "oh, those migrants are lucky" - no one's ever asked them if they're actually happy with their situation or not. We need more voices like this project to humanize the issue & show us that every person is unique & deserving of respect 
and im thinking maybe we should have more exhibits like this everywhere? not that i'm saying i fully get what its like to migrate or anything lol but it makes me realize how little i know about whats going on in other parts of the world 
I'm so down for this project! It's time we put a face to the stats and news articles about migration. These young people are not just statistics or news headlines, they're individuals with hopes and fears, dreams and challenges. We need more projects like GRABS that show us their stories in all their complexity 
. Can't wait to check out this exhibition in Durban, it's going to be amazing 
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I think this project is really important because people always talk about migration as if it's just a number or a problem, but not really understanding what's going on in these young migrants' lives. It's like they're just stats or news headlines, you know? 
I feel like we're getting a whole different perspective on migration and what it's really like for these young people. It's not just about the struggles, but also the hopes and dreams. We need more of this kind of storytelling in my opinion! 
. It sounds all good on the surface, but have you thought about why they're choosing to focus on young migrants specifically? Is it just a coincidence that this is happening now, with all the talk of migration and borders? I don't think so 
. There's got to be more to it than that. And what about the fact that they're using photography exhibitions and podcasts to document their experiences? That sounds like some pretty advanced psychological manipulation techniques 
I love how they're using photography to showcase the complexities of these young migrants' experiences - it's not just about stats or headlines, it's about putting a face to the issue. The fact that they're having exhibitions and podcasts too is genius! 
The photos are gorgeous too, so powerful... Israel Wabikamba's work is stunning! 
I'm definitely adding this to my faves list! 
what I love about this project is that it's not just about the journey, but also about the people behind the headlines 