JAYU (meaning “freedom” in Korean) is a registered charity and non-profit organization based in Toronto, founded by artist and human rights activist Gilad Cohen. The organization runs several programs supporting their mandate of “sharing human rights stories through the arts and engaging dialogue to lay the groundwork for positive social change.”
JAYU founder Gilad Cohen.
In 2015, JAYU introduced the iAM Program, a project that aims to empower marginalized youth in the Greater Toronto Area using photography and storytelling. The eight week program includes workshops held by professional photographers, one of which was lead by Danielle Da Silva, the founder of Photographers Without Borders (and my boss). Danielle invited me to come along and I enjoyed watching the students learn about ethical storytelling, effective campaigns, and be inspired by photography.
iAM students listen to Danielle’s presentation
Students participating in an exercise related to effective campaign images
Sharing images after doing a quick assignment
Students talk to Danielle Da Silva after her presentation
A quick photoshoot outside for an assignment
Learn more about JAYU and their other programs: Human Rights Film Festival, Human Rights Screening Series, and The Hum Podcast.
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