Photo-voice as a tool for analysis and activism in response to HIV and AIDS stigmatisation in a rural KwaZulu-Natal school

ABSTRACT

Objective: This paper focuses on the use of participatory approaches to research and intervention and explores the uses of photo-voice as a methodology and a means of promoting childhood and youth activism in the context of HIV and AIDS. Method: Photo-voice; a visual participatory methodology; was used with 21 Grade 8 and 9 learners in one of three schools participating in a larger project; to identify; understand and interpret incidents related to stigma and discrimination against people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS; as well as the strategies proposed by the learners to possibly reduce stigma. Results: Three themes emerged awareness of HIV and AIDS; awareness of HIV-related stigma and its impacts; and acceptance of personal agency and taking action. Conclusions: Understandings of and perceptions about HIV and AIDS are improving; yet significant pockets of ignorance about the dynamics of HIV infection still remain among the youth. Negative attitudes towards people infected with and affected by the virus remain; and stigmatisation continues. The use of photo-voice and other participatory methodologies offers alternative strategies for involving youth in their own knowledge production; as well as in the development of an individual sense of agency for taking action