Participatory Activities

Photovoice

What helps students in stressful situations? And what brings them joy?

In me_HeLi-D, we follow a resource-oriented approach and aim to empower young people to become aware of their internal and external resources. We asked 81 students aged 12-15 from Austria, Poland and Slovenia to reflect on two questions: What helps you in stressful or critical situations? What brings you joy? We asked them to capture their answers in pictures and short captions (Photovoice Method). They also had the opportunity to give their feedback on how they liked this activity or what they would change about it. We are excited to share an excerpt of their “answers” and diverse sources of support and joy.


The voice of students from the MS Heiligenkreuz am Waasen | Austria

A sense of freedom – Even if it is only a ‘means of transport’ it is one of the only things that gives me a sense of freedom.

When I sit on a horse I immediately feel better and it gives me joy.”

“I am grateful for my best friends because they are always there for me”

“Taking pictures”

I liked …

that, for once, you really think about what you like to do, etc.

that you really paid attention to what stresses you out and what makes you happy.

that you thought more about the moment.

What I would change…

Nothing 🙂 I found it a really sweet idea.

Ask more precise and more questions for what you can take pictures.

Relatively little to nothing really


While walking, all my thoughts fly away… 
best with music
.”

It brings me joy when a picture turns out well.”

When I have stress, I go to our pets, they help me relax


The voice of students from Szkola Podstawowa nr 11 Oddzialami Integracyjnymi | Poland

“Things that de-stress me – manga and sculpting, reading comics, playing basketball and skateboarding”

“I send a photo which helps me in stressful situations”


I liked …

ability to use creativity

the opportunity to photograph

something I likeI could express myself

What I would change…

nothing

I don’t know

execution time


“...my hobby is reading

I really like meeting my friends after school


The voice of students from Onovna ŠOLA Elvire Vatovec Prade | Slovenia

“Cycling with friend”

“A walk in nature”

“Listening to music or reading my favorite book relaxes me”


”I enjoy hanging out with my friends”

I liked …

… that you could express your thoughts with pictures instead of words.

…that it made me think about what makes me happy.

…that we could anonymously express what we like and get ideas from others.

What I would change…

I wouldn’t change a thing.

Nothing, I enjoyed everything.

That before you post the picture you can edit it, use filters,…

I would like to add likes and comments.


“Riding my motorcycle relaxes me the most”

“Playing with my dog makes me happy”

“Playing soccer”