THROUGH THE LENS: Exploring African Immigrants Youth Culture and Identity through Photovoice

The youth population of Finland is increasingly multicultural, it is, therefore, important to establish ways for the youth to influence and participate in the society at the same time not ignoring their own culture and identity. These may include the nature and contexts in which the immigrant youth live, learn, play, and work. The cultures of these youth received in their host countries and the factors that shape their individual development in society. This thesis project aims to bring awareness and kickstart an interactive discourse on Finland's African immigrant youth culture and identity. This thesis project was done through Photovoice, a type of Participatory Photography whereby participants are given cameras to document their life experiences within a selected topic. In this project, participants were asked to take pictures of their culture and identity as African youth living in Finland. After the photovoice projects, the findings revealed pictures of participants' natural hair journeys as an essential part of their culture and identity. Participants reveal how embarking on their “natural hair journey” has taught them many important life lessons, which have helped them accept who they are as Africans no matter where they find themselves. The “natural hair journey” here refers to their decision to keep their natural hair without adding any sort of external chemicals to it. The findings also showed how their natural hair journey has informed and guided their life decisions and experiences. In collaboration with Think Africa, the thesis seeks to provide a platform and opportunity for African youth to discuss and showcase their identity and culture to the Finnish society