The AjA Project, founded in 2000, is an acronym for the phrase, “Autosuficiencia Juntada con Apoyo” (supporting self-sufficiency). 

In July of 2002, AjA launched Journey, a photography-based after-school program in San Diego, California. The Journey program utilizes the process of participatory photography to help refugee youth reflect upon and process their experiences of displacement, migration and resettlement, as well as to help them think critically about their cultural identities and communities.

AjA’s unique curriculum makes the agency a distinctive one in the region—producing measurable outcomes and gaining AjA national and international press.  A 2006-2008 program evaluation indicated that AjA plays a significant role in alleviating despair, loss, and alienation among refugee youth acculturating to life in America. Specifically, the evaluation reported that AjA supports positive youth development in seven areas: social support and belonging, involvement in pro-social activities, structure and safety, building self-efficacy, competence building, character building, and perspective building. 

Based on these findings, the agency has expanded its reach by utilizing its method with other displaced youth populations and by collaborating with other agencies interested in using these tools for their own work in social transformation.

The AjA Project has two international sister organizations -- Record of Truth in Burma and Disparando Cameras (para la Paz) in Colombia – and is currently looking into further national and international expansion opportunities.