Canon Young People Programme empowers students

Print Solutions

As part of Canon's ongoing commitment to deliver meaningful social value in communities across the UK, it recently supported one of its public sector customers, the London Borough of Redbridge by hosting two ‘Young People Programme’ storytelling workshops at Caterham High School and The Forest Academy in Ilford. These sessions empowered students to explore critical global issues through the lens of photography and storytelling.

At Caterham High School, the workshop focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 5: Gender Equality and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Led by Canon ambassador and visual storyteller Ian Hippolyte, the  year 10 students and A level mentors created powerful portraiture and symbolic imagery that championed equality and inclusion. They explored how visual media can be used to challenge stereotypes and amplify underrepresented voices.

Ian Hippolyte said, ‘It was incredible to see how the students used their creativity to express powerful messages about equality. Photography is more than just capturing images – it is about telling stories that matter. These young people showed how visual storytelling can be a force for change.’

Meanwhile, at The Forest Academy, Canon ambassador and wildlife photographer Ellie Rothnie guided year 10 students and A level mentors in a hands-on biodiversity storytelling workshop. Aligned with UNSDG 15: Life on Land, students captured the living species and natural world around their school grounds – transforming local nature into meaningful visual narratives.

Ellie Rothnie said, ‘Photography has the power to open eyes and hearts to the beauty and fragility of our natural world. Helping these students capture biodiversity in their own surroundings and guiding them to tell stories through their images has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Their passion and curiosity are truly inspiring.’

As part of the experience, students had the opportunity to use Canon’s mirrorless cameras, including the EOS R6 and R8, alongside a wide range of camera lenses spanning zoom, macro to wide angle landscape. Their final images were printed on Pixma TS8750 and Selphy CP1500, giving them a tangible takeaway that celebrated their creative efforts and storytelling skills.

Adam Pensotti, head of the Canon Young People Programme, commented:‘These storytelling workshops are fantastic examples of how our CYPP brings together our imaging technology and social value strategy. By combining storytelling, photography, and themes like equality and biodiversity, we are equipping young people with the tools and confidence to use their voices and create change.’

Kam Mann, head of IT support at the London Borough of Redbridge, added:‘Canon’s delivery of both infrastructure and inspiration is exactly the kind of holistic partnership we value. These workshops gave our students unforgettable experiences, opening their eyes to the power of their own creative voices and the world around them We are proud to see social value executed so meaningfully in our borough.’

Through CYPP, the company has reached over 7750 young participants across more than 30 countries, working with over 50 charity partners to provide education, equipment and platforms for youth storytelling.