New research from the University of Northampton’s Institute for Social Innovation and Impact has revealed the “powerful role” of initiatives such as the Canon Young People Programme in improving youth confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose.
As Canon EMEA celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Canon Young People Programme, which “uses photography as a tool for self-expression, storytelling and social change”, the research confirms CYPP’s “significant and lasting impact” on young people, communities and partner organisations worldwide, a press release said.
“At a time when many young people across the world are grappling with a multitude of different pressures, this research is proof that creative empowerment can be a lifeline,” said Adam Pensotti, head of the Canon EMEA Young People Programme.
“In partnership with Northampton University, we’ve explored and uncovered just how impactful and far-reaching initiatives such as CYPP can be.
“For 10 years, the programme has shown that when you give young people the tools, skills and trust to tell their own stories, they can change their lives and their communities for the better. This helps to strengthen communities, influence change and inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Since its launch in 2015, CYPP has engaged over 10,000 young people across EMEA, research found, partnering with more than 40 charities and community organisations in over 36 participant countries.
“When I first joined the Canon Young People Programme through Wild Shots Outreach, I had never held a camera and knew almost nothing about conservation,” said Rifumo Mathebula, CYPP alumnus and programme director at Wild Shots Outreach.
“I discovered I had a passion for storytelling and felt a responsibility to protect the natural world around me. Today, I’m teaching the next generation of young people living alongside Kruger National Park, giving them the same opportunities I received through CYPP.
“The programme gave me a voice, a purpose and the belief that we can all be changemakers in our communities.”
Key findings from the ISII’s evaluation include:
- Longer participation leads to greater impact: the more time young people spend in CYPP, the more their confidence, motivation and adaptability grow.
- Empowerment through photography: participants gain a voice in their communities, using visual storytelling to highlight social and environmental issues.
- Improved employability: photography and critical thinking skills open doors to new career paths, from creative industries to tourism and conservation.
- Ripple effects in communities: youth-led exhibitions and projects inspire dialogue, strengthen community bonds and address local challenges.
- Best practice partnerships: CYPP’s collaboration model between corporations, NGOs and academia is cited as a benchmark for effective social impact initiatives.
“In a global climate where youth confidence and wellbeing are a priority, CYPP stands out as a proven model for positive empowerment,” said UON vice chancellor and CEO, Professor Anne-Marie Kilday. “Over the last 10 years, the programme has delivered measurable and lasting change for its participants and their communities.”
Looking ahead, Canon adds that it is now aiming to make country-specific adaptations to address local challenges and expand NGO training streams to scale best practice globally.
