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Portraits of Poverty: A Global Photo Essay Collaboration

What is this project about?

In this project, students will collaborate to create a powerful photo essay on poverty in their communities. Working in international teams, they’ll capture photos, conduct interviews, and craft visual stories that highlight the impact of poverty. The project concludes with a virtual exhibition, sharing their work globally.

Age group
13-15, 16-18, 18+
Project Duration
4 weeks
Language
English, Spanish, Danish

This project contributes to the following global goals

No Poverty

Learning Outcomes

  1. Develop a deeper understanding of poverty and its impact on individuals and communities.
  2. Enhance visual literacy and storytelling skills through the creation of a photo essay.
  3. Foster empathy, cultural understanding, and global citizenship by collaborating with international peers.
  4. Improve communication, teamwork, and project management skills through the collaborative process.
  5. Inspire students to become advocates for poverty eradication and social justice.

Evaluate

Skills to develop

Intercultural Communication
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
Global Awareness
Digital Literacy
Collaboration & Teamwork
Adaptability & Leadership
Collaboration

Project Timeline

1
Week 1

Presentation

Phase:Presentation & Dissemination

Step 1: Initial preparation

  • Introduction to the project and formation of international teams.
  • Research and discussion on poverty in local communities.
  • Presentation of the topic on poverty and how SDG # 1: No Poverty contributes to eradicating it.
  • Planning and preparation for the creation of the photo essay, including drafting interview questions and identifying potential interviewees.

Step 2: Creation and preparation 
  • Capture photographs and conduct interviews with individuals and families affected by poverty.
  • Curate and edit the photo essay, including writing captions and narratives.
  • Prepare the students for their meeting with the partner class in the project by explaining the Class2Class.org coexistence policies.
  • It can use: 
    • Photography editing tools like Adobe Lightroom or Canva.
    • Virtual gallery platforms such as Google Slides or Adobe Spark Page.

Step 3: Cross-Cultural Creative Exchange 
  • Present the virtual gallery in a video call with the project partner class.
  • Share with the students a reflection on their learning about the topic. 

Collaborative Activities
  • Virtual planning sessions using video conferencing tools to discuss photo essay concepts and strategies.
  • Collaborative development of interview questions and photo shot lists using shared documents.
  • Peer review and feedback sessions to refine photo essays and narratives.
  • Creation of a virtual gallery using platforms like Google Slides or Adobe Spark Page.



Assessment and reflection ✍️



  • Formative assessment:
    • Use a simple checklist to observe and track student participation in discussions, collaboration efforts, and project contributions.

  • Summative assessment:
    • Evaluate final photo essays using a rubric that covers:
      • Visual impact (composition, creativity)
      • Storytelling (clarity, engagement)
      • Quality 
      • Cultural relevance (local issues, global perspectives)
    • Share the rubric with students at the project's start via the Class2Class.org platform.

  • Reflective component:
    • Guide students to write brief reflections on their creative process, challenges faced, collaboration insights, and personal growth.
    • Use the Class2Class.org project board for students to share their reflections, encouraging peer learning and discussion.



Teacher tips 💡



  • Provide resources and guidance on ethical and respectful approaches to documentary photography and interviewing.
  • Foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences.
  • Provide clear guidelines and expectations for respectful communication and collaboration. We suggest you review the coexistence policies of Class2Class.org.
  • Encourage students to explore creative and unconventional approaches to visual storytelling.
  • Celebrate the power of art and storytelling to inspire empathy, understanding, and social change.