Young people in Ibagué use Photography to heal and express themselves

July 2025

The initiative provides a safe space for youth to channel emotions, build self-esteem, and
reconnect with their surroundings through photography. Documentary photography
becomes a powerful way to narrate their lived experiences.

Eva Parey, known for her work in complex social contexts, guided participants in crafting
visual stories based on their daily realities, desires, and concerns.

The training took place at Ismael Santofimio Trujillo Technical School and culminated in a
public exhibition on July 19, 2025, featuring the students’ work.

With more than 540,000 residents, Ibagué faces alarming youth mental health challenges.
Between 2020 and 2023, over 3,600 suicide attempts were recorded, 66% involving
individuals aged 10 to 29. YumaKids embraces art as a tool for social change, promoting
care, expression, and active participation.

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