JOURNEY
Journey participants use their photography skills to address themes such as identity, resettlement, migration, home, culture, community, advocacy and artivism. Through this process, Journey participants create a stronger sense of community and learn to value the unique worldview that each person brings into the space. Often times, participants do not have an opportunity to build these values and important sense of community during their traditional academic school day, so having a safe after-school environment to do so is critical to the participants’ overall well-being.
TEACHING ARTIST: RIZZHEL JAVIER
ASSISTANT TEACHING ARTISTS: ALE UZARRAGA + RAFA RIOS
In July of 2002, The AjA Project launched Journey, a photography-based after-school program to engage recently resettled refugee and immigrant youth in El Cajon at Cajon Valley Middle Emerald Middle School.
Shan, Emerald Middle School, 2017
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Oday
I like to visit the ocean.
I don’t like to forget my friends.
I miss my country.
I wish to be a pilot.
I can help others.
I want to have good friends.
I need my country to be good.
I can’t forget my friends.
I will be good with people.
EXERCISE 1-2: Design + Point of View
My favorite food is
Cheese Sticks.
French Fries.
Dolma.
Corn.
Dolma.
Pizza and Dolma.
Dolma.
Pizza.
Chicken Shawerma.
Strawberry.
Rice and Stew.
Pizza.
Kabob.
Pizza.
Pizza.
Corn.
EXERCISE 3-4: Symbolism + Home
Sedra, Emerald Middle School, 2017
In 2017, President Trump administered a travel ban on the Muslim community that happened during the course of our programing. Many of the images were about reflections of home, thinking of family and friends and exploring new environments and the desire to find the symbols and memories that help to activate the feeling of home.
Zin, Emerald Middle Schoo, 2017
In the point of view and design exercise, many students were interested in a shared perspective that spoke of their interest in color, texture in relationship the land. The image together show the strong community bond and experience that the students share, each photo with a unique view of the world from their perspective.
Journey 2017
This program works with the San Diego refugee community of El Cajon Valley Middle School. This curriculum uses photography and art as a tool for self-reflection on identity, culture, self-expression, and integration to a new country and/or community. This process of collective self-exploration is designed to validate and empower the participants’ experience and provide an avenue for self-guided growth. The curriculum uses art therapy methodology to support students to grow their self-esteem, improve teamwork, and be leaders in the spaces they are in.
EXERCISE 4-5: Collage and Exhibition
