Once Upon a Time in Europe: How Storytelling Builds Inclusive Communities

Picture this: a bustling street in a vibrant European city, where the air is filled with the aroma of diverse cuisines, and the chatter echoes in languages from all corners of the globe. Europe, with its rich tapestry of cultures, is a melting pot of diversity, where every individual has a story to tell. But what truly binds these disparate threads into a cohesive whole? The answer lies in the power of storytelling.

In the European Union (EU), diversity isn't just a buzzword; it's a way of life. With 27 member states and over 447 million people, the EU boasts a kaleidoscope of cultures, traditions, and identities. From the fjords of Scandinavia to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, the EU is a mosaic of experiences waiting to be shared.

But amidst this diversity, there are challenges. Migration, in particular, has been a hot-button issue, sparking debates and divisions across the continent. Yet, it's precisely in these moments of uncertainty and discomfort that storytelling emerges as a beacon of hope.

Think about the stories of migrants who've made Europe their home. Take, for instance, the tale of Ahmed, a Syrian refugee who found sanctuary in Germany. Through his storytelling sessions at local community centers, Ahmed shares his journey of resilience and adaptation, breaking down stereotypes and fostering empathy among his newfound neighbors.

And it's not just migrants who benefit from storytelling; indigenous communities within Europe have stories deeply ingrained in their cultures. From the Sami people in the Arctic Circle to the Roma in Eastern Europe, these narratives serve as a bridge between the past and the present, preserving traditions and fostering a sense of belonging.

Now, let's shift our focus to the unsung heroes behind these storytelling initiatives: youth workers. Armed with nothing but a passion for change and a willingness to listen, these tireless individuals play a pivotal role in shaping inclusive communities.

Imagine a youth center in Brussels, where a group of teenagers from diverse backgrounds gathers for a storytelling workshop. Guided by skilled facilitators, they share snippets of their lives, weaving together a tapestry of experiences that transcends borders and barriers.

"...through non-formal education tools like storytelling, youth workers are empowering marginalized youth to rewrite their narratives...."

According to Eurostat, youth unemployment rates in the EU stood at 17.6% in 2020, with migrant youths facing even higher hurdles. But through non-formal education tools like storytelling, youth workers are empowering marginalized youth to rewrite their narratives, instilling confidence and equipping them with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

Inclusive communities aren't built overnight; they're crafted through intentional acts of empathy and understanding. By harnessing the power of storytelling, we can create spaces where everyone's voice is heard, valued, and celebrated.

ONDE's Creative Activism Work

At ONDE, we strive to help young people use creative activism to advocate for the issues that matter most to them. Storytelling is one form of creative activism that allows us to accomplish this. "Inclusive CommUNITY Storytelling" is our upcoming 8-day Erasmus+ training course focused on developing participants’ storytelling for inclusion skills so they can create projects that help youth promote and advocate for diversity and inclusion in their communities.

From March 5 to 14, participants will join other youth workers, youth leaders, educators, and motivated youth in exploring this topic, as well as useful tools to be a facilitator and disseminator of storytelling for inclusion activities in their communities and beyond.

By the end of the course, we expect participants to:

• understand how their personal stories can be a catalyst for positive change;

• be inspired to advocate for themselves and others;

• gain practical skills for discussing and sharing their personal lives contexts / cultures;

• be able to promote diversity and inclusion in their communities;

• improve their empathy for different European realities and experiences.

Interested? Applications are now open!