Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Photography project puts alternative education students on a “Natural Buzz”


Agape Trust Alternative Education students and tutors pose outside their
classroom at the start of the PhotoVoice Otautahi "Natural Buzz" programme.
Pic: John Maillard


“We view this project as a good opportunity to showcase the great outcomes that are happening in the lives of these young people.”
Agape Trust Manager, Steve Reid

A group of alternative education students in Aranui are using photographs to tell the community about the positive things in their lives that develop character and build resilience.

PhotoVoice Otautahi is a joint project of Agape Trust’s alternative education programme and community action team CAYAD Otautahi.

The project has seen 12 young people gathering images from their lives and environments that represent the theme “Natural Buzz”.

Steve Reid, Manager Agape Trust, says he views the project as a good opportunity to showcase the “great outcomes” that are happening in the lives of these young people.

“We want to show our youth in a positive light. Yes, they do have bad moments in life but that does not define who they are. The positive things they do need also to be taken into account,” Reid says.

“For most of the kids who come into alternative education, their social and behavioural issues are so big they just can’t concentrate in class. We try to be an extension of their whanau by providing the affirmation they just can’t get at mainstream schools.”

CAYAD (Community Action – Youth and Drugs) coordinator Leanne McTear says the project focuses on the alternatives to drug use, those things that give a “natural buzz”.

“By focusing on the positive activities that give young people a ‘natural buzz’, we are more likely to increase their involvement in these positive activities, thereby decreasing drug/alcohol use, while increasing their sense of self worth and pride.

“The actual exhibition is fantastic, and it is amazing to see the pride on the faces of the young people. People who have seen the exhibition so far have been incredibly impressed, with the quality and content of the photographs. Many have requested that the exhibition travel throughout the communities of Christchurch.”

Reid says an important part of the programme is exposing students to healthy, positive interests – activities that capture their attention, imagination, and passion.

“Ultimately, we’re after attitude change and delivering an education based on the kids attaining greater insight and understanding of life and the options and choices they have. With each kid, we look for the open door in their life and once we find it, we put something that can grow in there,” Reid says.

Students who were struggling to make progress in mainstream schooling often advance to NCEA papers after joining Agape, a change Reid attributes to the “aroha, support, belief, and guidelines” provided by the programme’s tutors.

Reid: “Often this is part of what they need to help them settle down and get on with the job of learning.”

CAYAD project worker Michael Herman says the strong support the project has attracted exemplifies the spirit of community action.

“Community action would be impossible without the generosity of companies like H.E. Perry Ltd, Photo & Video International, VFL Finance Limited, and Barron Surfboards. Their support has given voice to a group of young people who are trying to overcome the challenges of economic and social exclusion,” Herman says.

“PhotoVoice is both a development opportunity for them and an opportunity for members of the public to question popular stereotypes.”

The PhotoVoice process has been shown to increase participation, build capability, and orient young people and communities, he says.

“After taking the photos, the young people meet and talk about what the images represent in their lives. These discussions help consolidate their thinking and provide the narrative for the exhibition,” Herman says.

“The process and the visual outputs themselves are a proven way to broaden and deepen conversation on pressing issues like illicit drug use. And when communities start talking about their problems, they’ve already taken the first step to sorting them out.”

Troy



This photo is of Tim (a course tutor) surfing at Magnet Bay. I picked this photo because it was phat surf–I caught the biggest wave that I ever caught that day. When I look at the photo now I feel mean and phat as.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because surfing gives you an adrenalin rush.

Natural Buzz makes me feel good.



This photo was taken at Magnet Bay while we were sitting back waiting for the surf. I was relaxing with mates in the hut. I picked this photo because I helped to make the hut and it looks phat! When I look at the photo now it makes me feel chilled and happy.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because I was helping others to make the hut.

A Natural Buzz to me is something that gets you excited–like biking.



This photo was taken at Magnet Bay when I was posing with mates. I picked this photo because it was a phat place. I remember this was exciting because we were high up on a cliff and it was dangerous.

I think the Natural Buzz that this photo shows is taking on different dangerous obstacles.

My favourite Natural Buzz is hanging with mates or body surfing with friends.

Tahae



This photo was taken at Rakoutara in Kaikoura. I picked this photo because it is the first time diving and catching something–it’s the first cray that I ever picked up. I feel happy in this photo because it was a nice morning.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because I am doing something that I like. When this photo was taken Bernie was still diving, Eddie and Jake were fighting but I continued to enjoy the day; didn’t let a positive turn into a negative with the fighting going on.

My favourite Natural Buzz is diving, surfing and taking on new challenges. It’s an adrenalin rush once you do it more and more. I enjoy fishing and spending time with my sister's boyfriend, it gets me away from the house.



This photo was taken at Magnet Bay where I was walking around with friends on the rocks and exploring new surroundings. They were all looking at the big arch and were trying to get to it. We were wondering how the arch was formed–it was fascinating. When I look at the photo now I feel good and it was exciting because the tide was coming in and we almost got stuck on the rocks.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because it is of all of us hanging out and doing something cool.

A Natural Buzz to me is not feeling tense and angry all the time, it’s feeling relaxed.



This photo was taken at Magnet Bay where we were checking out the waves. I was waiting for the surf to clean up and I was helping to build the hut. I picked this photo because it shows me and Troy and the surf in the background. When I look at this photo I remember being excited about going out there: it was a feeling of anticipation, knowing I can go and surf if I want to. I feel positive because I was hanging out with mates. The hut made me think about the way the old people used to live ages ago back in the day.

I think this photo shows a natural buzz because it is stuff I enjoy doing and I am able to do.

My Natural Buzz makes me feel calm and excited and ready to go!

Leyana



This photo was taken at the bomb shelter house. I picked this photo because it is with the group and I was really happy that day. When I look at this photo I am happy and glad that I was on course and went on that trip.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because it looks like we are in an old house looking out the window–we could see right out of the window.

My favourite Natural Buzzes are surfing, diving, walking and doing something that I like.



This photo is of the three of us girls in the cave. I picked it because it is just the three girls and no boys. I feel good looking at this photo because all the girls are getting along and I didn’t think that would happen.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because it is in the cave again, it was exciting because I had a look around and I wasn’t scared.

A Natural Buzz saves doing drugs.



This photo was taken when we went over to the old bomb shelters, it is of the six of us–some of us are happy and some not, some of us are pulling signs. I picked this photo because I am in it with some of the other students.

I feel happy looking at this photo because we did it as a group. I think it shows a Natural Buzz because it is in the cave.

A Natural Buzz to me is a good feeling.

Levi



This photo was taken when we were drying out from surfing. We were all happy and hungry but really tired. We lit a bonfire on the beach and cooked sausages. I remember the surfing from that day.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because it was cool doing new stuff and feeling the heat of the fire.

Natural Buzz is good cos you don’t need anything to do it, no drugs or that.



I think this photo is really mint! It was taken in a cave in Kaikoura. I picked this photo because we were having the bonfire, it was lots of fun, we were rapping and talking.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because we were having so much fun; we ate banana wakas which I hadn’t had before.

A Natural Buzz to me is a good feeling, which you don’t need alcohol and drugs to have.



This photo was taken on the Avon River. It was yucky falling out, but we were having lots of fun. I picked this photo because I fell out all the time. When I look at the photo now, I am laughing and feel happy, because it was a fun day.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because I felt like I was achieving when I got a lot better at kayaking.

My favourite Natural Buzz is hunting and fishing, I get a real adrenalin rush when the dogs start barking when we are hunting.

Jake



This photo was taken after we went for a big walk–it was really hot and we had to put our heads in the water. We got a paua off the rocks with some scissors. I picked this photo because we had a good day and it was lots of fun. When I look at the photo I feel really happy and remember I had lots of fun.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because its knowing that you got something you can eat from earth.

A Natural Buzz is good because it is cheaper that alcohol and drugs.



This photo was taken when we were kayaking on the Avon River. I picked it because I am in it and kayaking.

I think it shows a Natural Buzz because it is in the water and we were having lots of fun.

My favourite Natural Buzz is hunting and skating–it is an adrenalin rush. I also like hanging with mates.



This photo was taken when we were rock climbing. It was challenging and fun. I picked this photo because I was having fun with my mates. When I look at this photo I remember the achievement I felt of climbing to the top.

I thing this photo shows a Natural Buzz because it is having fun without alcohol and drugs.

A Natural Buzz to me is an adrenalin rush and excitement.

Eddie



This photo was taken at Agape when I was looking at the camera. I picked the photo because it was of me learning to use the camera. I feel cool and awesome when I look at this photo.

I think it shows a Natural Buzz because I am proud the photo is of me. A Natural Buzz to me is hanging with mates.

My favourite Natural Buzzes are skateboarding, snowboarding, and camping. I love learning new moves on my skateboard.



This photo was taken at Clip and Climb. I picked it because it is climbing without getting hurt and because I think I look like a midget. When I look at this photo I feel ashamed of my height but find it funny.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because it sucks being up that high and knowing that you are going to fall, but it gives you adrenalin.

How I would describe a Natural Buzz is you gotta try it and find out for yourself. “I had a dream...”



This photo was taken at Kaikoura after we had been looking at the seals. I picked it because it is of me hanging with Jaden and (has) a good background. When I look at this photo it reminds me of hangin with mates.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because we got chased by the seals.

I like doing dangerous things like going fast on my bike with no brakes and cliff on one side.

Dukie



This photo was taken at Boulder Bay I hunted for a kina and brought it up to the surface. I picked this photo because of having a strong connection with the sea. When I look at this photo now, I have a calm and relaxed feeling but remember the exciting feeling of the day.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because it was a special and happy moment, I felt like the man again.

My favourite Natural Buzz is surfing, it is the feeling of being free, being calm, relaxed and happy. It feels special being connected to the wave.



This photo was taken at Boulder Bay, we were on the boat playing with the seafood we caught. It was fun being on the boat, having fun with friends and feeling calm and relaxed. When I look at this photo I feel calm and relaxed.

I picked this photo because I am chilling with friends.

I’m a chilled person, relaxed and happy when I am doing fun and exciting things.



This photo was taken while I was swimming around with Fil, we were going for a dive and found a kina so I decided to take the photo. I picked this photo because it is under water–water is like a different life. When I look at this photo I have happy memories of the day. It was phat!

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because being under water and seeing what’s down there makes you feel special.

A Natural Buzz to me is a special feeling you get when you’re doing something exciting or can’t wait to do.

Catherine



This photo was taken after a walk, it was really hot and we had to get our hair or feet wet, a wave came in and got us. I picked this photo because I was the first one to get wet and after I did it I got an adrenalin rush. When I look at this photo now I feel really good that I was the first one to get my hair wet, it shows that I am stronger than the boys.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because we are around the ocean and getting wet, also there were dolphins around us and it was the first time I had seen them.

My favourite Natural Buzz is swimming, but before I came on course I didn’t think about Natural Buzz. Now there are lots of things I like to do.



This photo was taken at the Clip and Climb. I picked this photo because I am afraid of heights, so it was really hard getting to the top. I didn’t want to climb back down but with encouragement I managed to climb back down. When I look at this photo now, I feel way better because I’ve gotten over the fear of heights.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because I was climbing and got a big adrenalin rush–I’m really proud of my achievement.

Natural Buzz is the great feeling you get when you are doing something and you are doing it the right way.



This photo was taken at the caves when we had gone on a walk. I picked this photo because it was really exciting and something new to do. When I look at this photo now I remember that it was really cool and it makes me proud that we went in there.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because of the expressions on our faces–we looked amazed at what we are seeing.

Natural Buzz to me, is a buzz you don’t need alcohol and drugs for, it’s about adrenalin.

Atamarie



In this photo I found this log and used it to cover a hole in the hut. When I look at this photo I feel cool and proud that we fixed up the hut–it makes me want to go back sometime. I picked this photo because it reminded me of the hut and that day.

I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because building the hut and making it bigger was such a good feeling because we were improving it.

I like drawing and watching cartoons, I like to copy them and it is cool when my drawings look the same as on TV.



This photo was taken at Magnet Bay. We were in a hut that we found there and I was laughing at Tahae; we were going to sleep in there but we didn’t. We were laughing and happy. I picked this photo because it looks cool. When I look at this photo I have good memories and I am happy.

I think that this photo shows a Natural Buzz because we are having lotsa fun in the hut.

A Natural Buzz to me is cool and fun, it is something that you like.



This photo I picked because I like drawing. I found the stick and kept it for ages then I burnt the end of it and wrote everyone’s name. It was the first stick I've seen and kept. I felt cool because there was a fire and I helped to make it bigger. I think this photo shows a Natural Buzz because I felt like a leader, it was good when people noticed my drawings and started to copy them.

My favourite Natural Buzz is playing touch and scoring a try. Also surfing and standing up on the board, it feels cool and I found it easy.