Thoughts Thus Far

I think my project is going pretty well so far. There have definitely been some setbacks and challenges, but overall things are moving better than I had expected. One of the things that has greatly helped me with this project has been my prior exposure to the Photovoice methodology.

I first learned about Photovoice in my Comm089 first year seminar with Professor Patricia Parker last semester. This seminar focused on adult-youth partnerships for collective change. The ultimate goal of the class was to plan a conference that highlighted collective leadership models for sustaining youth and adult partnerships. While my small group was involved with planning the conference itself, other classmates created coalitions with local youth to create projects that they could present at the conference. Two of the four small groups decided to use the Photovoice methodology. While I was not directly involved with their projects, each group presented their progress weekly to the class. Through these discussions, I learned a lot about the challenges of Photovoice, especially in working with youth in vulnerable communities. One of the most important things I learned from the other groups was the importance of first connecting to the research participants. In adult-youth partnerships, there can usually be an intimidation factor that creates a disconnect between both groups. Thus, creating a comfortable working atmosphere is crucial. I remember when I first walked into the Cambridge school; all the students stood up and said “Good Morning Ma’am.” I remember I told them that I was not a teacher, and that my project wasn’t anything close to schoolwork. Furthermore, my classmates also made it clear that it was important to maintain a balance between becoming a “friend” and being in charge of completing a project. Thus, during my project here, I spent the first week learning about Rasoolpura from different angles: the teachers, the administrators, and the children. However, after I selected the participants, I went over a project contract with them and told them what I hoped to gain from the experience, and also what I thought they could learn. In the same way, I am using the advice of people who know the area best to help me in the project. The teachers, Ms. Lalitha and Mr. Shankar, and administrators, Mr. Swarup, have all given me great tips to make the most out of my experience. I remember before starting my project, Mr. Swarup advised me to not entice participants to participate by telling them that they each would receive a camera or by bringing candy. I am glad I followed his advice because in the end, I think that my research kids are genuinely interested in what they are doing, which also makes everything else a lot easier and fun for me.

I think that these initial steps helped lay a strong foundation for the rest of my project. While there have been some problems like not having consistence attendance and not following protocol, I am more than happy with the way things are going. The pictures came out great, and so did the interviews. It’s almost time for me to head back to the United States, where I will be working with Mahita teachers and administrators in completing Part 2 of my project.