Stories from Across the Globe
The ‘Stories from Across the Globe’ campaign was a core part of the Transform project, empowering individuals through the art of storytelling. Across six European countries, we held workshops creating safe spaces for migrants, refugees, VET learners, and educators to share their experiences on integration and inclusion. This initiative demonstrated the profound power of narrative to build empathy, foster connection, and drive social change within vocational education and training. Explore the highlights from each national event below.
Poland
- Host: IDEA
- Participants: Adults experiencing social exclusion.
A safe, small-group setting allowed for rich discussions on personal needs and societal barriers. Participants, who initially hesitated, left feeling valued and heard. One participant shared: “I felt important because someone invited me… and wanted to listen to what my needs were.”
Portugal
- Host: IP Santarém
- Participants: Youth with cognitive disabilities (e.g., Down syndrome).
Using tailored, interactive methods, this event focused on creative expression. It significantly boosted participants’ confidence and sense of inclusion, with one powerfully simple takeaway: “This workshop made me feel like my story matters.”
Ireland
- Host: Meath Partnership
- Participants: Migrant adult learners with varying levels of English.
Supported by interpreters, participants used painting, drawing, and writing to tell powerful stories of resilience and integration. The event fostered a profound sense of community, encapsulated in the quote: “Be grateful you are not alone.”
Spain
- Host: Incubadora CON VALORES
- Participants: Educators, social workers, and community leaders.
This event used advanced techniques like “Theatre of the Oppressed” to equip professionals with practical storytelling tools for empathy and social inclusion. A participant noted: “The power of storytelling in fostering empathy was a revelation for me.”
Grecce
- Host: Xenios Polis
- Participants: Psychology students from diverse backgrounds.
Facilitators created an emotionally safe environment by sharing their own stories, leading to deep engagement on themes of migration and exclusion. Students found the workshop both academically relevant and personally inspiring.
Italy
- Host: TUCEP
- Participants: A diverse group including migrants and persons with disabilities.
Focusing on workplace integration, the event used visual aids to help participants share stories of challenge and achievement. The impact was transformative, with one participant expressing: “I was happy to share my achievements, despite my difficult past.”
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