For European Youth Week (EYW) 2021, VSI organised an online photography competition in collaboration with two other national youth organisations. The competition invited young people aged 13-30 across Ireland to take part in the event. 

The aim of the competition was inspired by the subtheme of Health and Recovery under the overarching 2021 EYW theme “Our Future in Our Hands.” Health and Recovery was chosen with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people’s mental health in mind.

VSI Ireland wanted to create an outlet of creative expression and invite young people to reflect on their mental health and wellbeing and take pictures of how they stay connected to not only society but also to themselves, to others and to nature in a world that has become disconnected.

In this way, they hoped to show the many different ways young people ‘stay connected,’ even in troubling times. They also hoped that by taking part in the competition, young people would feel encouraged and empowered to connect with others and, look after their mental health and wellbeing and get involved in shaping their future. 

Six young individuals were chosen as the winners and their photographs are exhibited in their padlet which is also a map of Ireland to show the locations of each photograph.