Photography goes beyond simply capturing an image; it is a way to tell stories and a bridge that connects people from different cultures, allowing them to share their experiences in an authentic and captivating way. In this context, the Capturing Voices: Empowering Youth Through Photography and Social Inclusion project took shape in Casapesenna, a small commune marked by many stigmas related to organized crime.

From September 16 to 23, young people from Portugal, Romania, Greece, and Italy came together to explore the power of photography in promoting social inclusion, all united by the goal of capturing the community’s reality through the camera lens. In this way, they created a space for local voices to be heard and respected, promoting a new narrative.

In spaces once controlled by the mafia, now transformed into museums, restaurants, and volunteer accommodation, this project shows that something as simple as a photograph can tell a story of revolution and suffering, but above all, of hope and unity.

Throughout the week, each participant explored Casapesenna, photographing seemingly ordinary scenes that sparked their curiosity. These photos, taken and edited by the volunteers, were presented in a final exhibition they organized, where locals could see their village through the eyes of “outsiders.” This perspective revealed beauty often overlooked while also challenging lingering prejudices from a mafia-marked past. Participants also had the opportunity to learn about the area’s history by visiting the Don Diana Museum, which pays tribute to victims of organized crime and highlights the community’s courage in resisting oppression.

The motto “Da vicino nessuno è normale” - “Up close, no one is normal” - encapsulates the mission of the NCO (Nuova Cucina Organizzata) restaurant, which provided meals throughout the week. More than just a restaurant, NCO is a place that welcomes and employs people with psychological challenges. Here, they find not only a job but a true home where they can reintegrate into the Casapesenna community. 

Finally, here are the testimonies of 3 Portuguese participants:

Beatriz Amado's testimony 

“It was my first time taking part in a project of this kind, I'd never dared to leave my comfort zone, but I couldn't be more grateful than I was. Nothing would have been possible without the Agora Aveiro team, who made me feel safe and comfortable from start to finish, providing me with such an enriching experience. This experience taught me that you can find beauty in everything, you just have to pay close attention. I will forever have a little place in my heart reserved for the Casapesenna community, which is living proof that you can change your destiny.” 

Beatriz Lopes's testimony 

“I had already been part of an Erasmus project similar to this one, but this was my first time being a team leader on one, and what a good experience I had. I was able to visit Casapesenna on a preparatory visit and immediately connect with its history. When I participated in the project itself with the rest of the Portuguese team, I felt a duty to pass on the love I felt for the place and the project to the rest of the team, but I quickly realized that it was something that happened naturally. From photo editing workshops that allowed me to improve my skills, to intercultural evenings playing pool and table football, to a kitten that kept us company all week, the memories I take with me from this Youth Exchange are countless.”

Gabriela Ribeirete's testimony 

“This project was challenging for me from day one when I decided to take a risk and get out of my comfort zone, but I'm glad I did. I've always wanted to learn more about photography and it seemed like the ideal opportunity, and now I can say with certainty that it was one of the best experiences I've had in my life. Through this project I got to know a small community, which on the one hand resembles all the others in its daily life, but which also carries the burden of a recent past marked by the mafia, revealing some of its marks today. For me, the most challenging part was trying to enter these people's world to capture a simple moment or landscape that made sense in their eyes and about their history. In addition, interacting with people from other countries allowed me to get to know different perspectives on photography. However, the ones I will remember most will be the local people who make social inclusion their motto in life, 'Da vicino nessuno è normale'.”

CAPTURING VOICES: Empowering Youth Through Photography and Social Inclusion” is organized by Giosef in collaboration with Agora Aveiro. This project is supported by the European Commission's Erasmus+ Programme through Key Action 1: Youth Mobility.