Participatory video documentary: just for whom?

Abstract

In this paper we explore how visual participatory methodologies, such as participatory video documentary, can be used by researchers to engage educators to take action concerning social issues that impact on their teaching. Educators from township schools in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth, voluntarily participated in a two day video documentary workshop. From the wide range of challenges identified, the vulnerability of learners affected by HIV & AIDS was selected by the teachers as the most pressing issue. This research therefore brought together two important current issues in South African society, viz the teaching profession and educators (often viewed as unwilling and/or unable to intervene in the lives of learners or in the broader community) and HIV & AIDS, creating opportunity for change in both. Participatory visual methodologies offer teachers the opportunity to play a leading role in researching and developing ways to increase awareness around the social and educational injustices deriving from the HIV & AIDS pandemic. Participatory video documentary work thus has the potential to move teachers into action that facilitates social change. The paper explores just whom the research is for, and how participatory research can be utilised to promote social justice in school and in the community.

Keywords:

• participatory research
• visual methodologies
• video documentary
• HIV & AIDS