Refocus is a grassroots organisation that runs participatory photography courses for minority and marginalized groups. Refocus puts the camera into the hands of the learners, giving them the power to depict the realities of their lives as individuals and as groups. As the directors of the organization, we aim to influence Refocus participants by raising their awareness of the plight of others and helping them to foster dialogue both within their communities as well as globally. Our goal is to empower participants by building their confidence, self-esteem and hope. Refocus workshops teach basic technical photography skills whilst focusing on individual photographic creativity. Specific goals are outlined for participants to focus on and important issues are raised through the discussion of images and various depictions of realities. A safe environment allows participants to express themselves, interact with others and explore their identities.

The participants, as new photographers, speak publicly through images, symbols and metaphors. They select and write captions for images that are then exhibited locally for the immediate community and internationally, on the internet, enabling their voices to travel further.

We believe in the power of photography as an alternative route to social change. Photographs can help people express their understandings of the world and their values without being imposed upon from the outside. We at Refocus believe that through this empowerment, participants will gain positive self-images while rising above stigmas, thereby improving their social conditions.