When farmers become photographers

ISEE (Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment) is developing a program aimed to honor and promote the culture of ethnic minorities in Vietnam through its Photovoice project.

PhotoVoice is designed to help farmers around Vietnam use digital storytelling methods to represent themselves and help others see the world through their eyes.

Photovoice has been initially launched by iSEE in three provinces: Lao Cai in the north, Quang Tri in the center, and Soc Trang in the south. Many farmers have responded enthusiastically to the program. 

Farmers in Dai Tam Commune, My Xuyen District of Soc Trang Mekong Delta province participate in the Photovoice project. Photo by Hoai Linh.

Mr. Đen, who owns the largest paddy field in Tam Phuoc Hamlet, Dai Tam Commune, My Xuyen District of Soc Trang Mekong Delta province, must hire Khmer workers from neighboring communes to harvest crops with average wages of VND150,000 to VND200,000 per person per day. Photo by Ly Thi Hong Kieu.

A traditional vehicle used by Khmer people to transport rice. Photo by Lam Thanh Tin.

A monk from Tra Tim pagoda begs for alms in Tam Phuoc Hamlet. Photo by Tran Thi Huynh Mai.

Ly Quang and his wife Phuong use water from the Ong Mui River, situated in Tam Phuoc Hamlet, to wash turnips before they take them to the market for sale. Photo by Thac Thi Kim Anh.

Khmer children in Tam Loc Hamlet, Dai Tam Commune, My Xuyen District of Soc Trang Mekong Delta province, hunting for rice-field-rats for food. Photo by Danh De.

Pham Van Nu and his son catching fish with nets on the Ta Liem River in the early morning. Photo by Hong Tam Buou.

Khmer children playing a folk game in Tam Phuoc Hamlet. Photo by Tran Thi Huynh Mai.

Tran Thi Thi and her son milking a cow. They own three dairy cows whose milk is their main income source. Photo by La Thuong.

A woman named Duong in Tam Phuoc Hamlet wrapping Bánh tét (Cylindrical glutinous rice cake filled with green bean paste and fat pork) on the occasion of the Lunar New Year holiday. Photo by Hua Hoang Thanh.

Young Khmer people wear traditional costumes and masks in a Flower Offering Ceremony to receive monks and Buddhists from Chrong Pet Pagoda in Vien An Commune, Tran De District of Soc Trang Mekong Delta province. Photo by Trinh Phen.

A music band pictured at a Flower Offering Ceremony taking place at Can Gio 2 Pagoda in Tham Don Commune, My Xuyen District of Soc Trang Mekong Delta province. Photo by Tran Thi Huynh Mai.