A Window to the World: Images by Youth on Issues that Matter

TIG’s new card deck features Adobe Youth Voices’ digital media and thought-provoking challenges on global issues 

February marks the release of an exciting and inspiring new card game created and produced by TakingITGlobal. The card deck is comprised of 43 image cards showcasing digital art created by youth participants in our Adobe Youth Voices.

All of the beautiful and moving images found in the collection have been produced by youth across the globe, who have found their voice in art. Each image reflects an issue that the individual youth sees in her or his local community and beyond. The high-quality and captivating images featured on the deck represent a range of varying global issues and challenges such as the environment, culture, mental and physical health, education, human rights, and peace & conflict.

The images are as emotive and genuine as they are varied. A black and white image of an elephant’s foot with a thick iron chain clenched around it immediately invokes thoughts of animal abuse and freedom. An image of a youthful hand clutching a gun with a flower sprouting from its barrel can raise questions of violence or environmental preservation. A colourful illustration depicting the outline of a woman with Spanish phrases interwoven throughout emphasizes the importance of gender issues and equality. 

It is not hard to imagine that the images themselves are powerful and provoke conversations and idea sharing. This deck brings to mind the age old adage that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” However, for those of you that prefer written communication or explanations, the cards have you covered. On the back of each image, there is information about it, including the name of the piece, the youth artist, the location, the artist’s grade group, the key issues represented, and a description of the piece. This information can be used for community development and educational purposes to promote intercultural understanding and to further the awareness of these issues.

The deck also includes 15 creative learning activity cards that can be used as a tool in sparking deep conversations and reflections. While some of these activity cards provide suggestions for discussion, such as brainstorming how a group of students can take action on the identified issue in a selected image, others seek out more creative reactions. Some of the activities invite you to create a response through the use of visual art, performance, poetry, or writing. The activities range from assessing the issue in a pragmatic and factual sense to fostering emotional and personal reflections.

The card deck was developed with the support of the Renaissance Expedition (REx) as a teaching aid to assist educators in introducing their students to global issues and developing a sense of global citizenship in the classrooms. The card deck can be used with students as an educational tool or within any group looking to explore and analyze global issues in a creative and inspiring way. The image cards can be used to introduce, re-introduce, or deepen the understanding of a topic across all subjects and curriculums.

On February 10th, Toronto District School Board Teachers participating in TakingITGlobal’s PD course on Education for Social Innovation had the opportunity of being the very first group of teachers to use the card deck. Teachers were thrilled with the cards and with all the different possible ways in which they can integrate the cards into their curriculums. 

Ultimately, the card deck is meant to provide a window into the world as seen by these youth from all around the world and to encourage deep thinking about these global issues. By creatively sharing different views, we can spark conversations that can move us towards creating change and positive social impacts.