Portraits of change: photography exhibition captures impact of youth volunteering

Amy Smith’s winning portrait of an elderly Nicaraguan woman is one of 20 photos from around the world that will be on display at Pop Brixton from Monday 20th November until Saturday 2nd December. Entry is free to the public.

The exhibition, sponsored by Wanderlust magazine and City Academy, captures the impact and experiences of young volunteers on the UK government funded International Citizen Service (ICS) programme.

Amy’s powerful image depicts Maria Fulgencio, who struggles with severe arthritis. The work of Amy and her fellow volunteers to improve the local environment meant Maria could leave her house for the first time in five years.

Other images, taken as far apart as India and Zambia, show the work being done by ICS volunteers on projects ranging from supporting young entrepreneurs to stopping the spread of HIV and other STIs.

Since 2012, ICS has sent more than 15,000 young people from the UK to volunteer on projects abroad, alongside young volunteers from the country they’re in. Young people don’t need cash or qualifications to take part, just the motivation and commitment to make a difference.