MY LIFE CASE STUDIES: YOUTH-LED INITIATIVES FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION
Young poeple who come to Europe as migrants have a lot of talents, passions and the motivation to create projects that help societies to become more inclusive. Here you can find some of the initiatives that the participants of MY LIFE developed.
De Brug van Amer: Building Bridges with Social Media
Amer is an engineer from Syria who had to flee his country because of the war. When he came to the Netherlands he started his project ‘De Brug van Amer’ using social media to support newly arriving migrants navigate Dutch bureaucracy. Today, his platform serves as a cultural bridge between the Dutch society and Syrian migrants.
Utrecht, Netherlands
Social Media, Communication, Live Streaming, Integration
Liv1: Fighting Stereotypes with Storytelling
Zamir is a young Somali project manager who came to Sweden in 2013. Being confronted with the many stereotypes that society has against migrant youth living in the suburbs of Stockholm, he joined Fryshuset Liv1 project. The project gives young people tools to make their voices heard. Diversity is an important pillar in Zamir’s work to enable youth to tell what is important. Today, they produce podcasts, films, videos and much more.
Stockholm, Sweden
Podcasts, Videos, Storytelling, Diversity, Empowerment
‘My advice for young people is to really belive in yourself! You have the power to wake up every day and make the world a better place. Your ideas are valid and you can make it!’
Wereld Vrouwen: Empowering Migrant Women
Asia is a young Syrian social worker who is passionate about supporting women. When she came to the Netherlands she started her project Wereld Vrouwen that aims to empower female refugees and migrants to become part of the Dutch society. Her project hosted various cultural activities in order to connect women across society.
Utrecht, Netherlands
Women Empowerment, Cultural exchange, Dialogue sessions
‘If you are a young person who wants to start a project my recommendation is to have the courage to ask. Don’t be shy to be the first one to ask for help and take the initiative. I also recommend you to use Social Media, it can really be our weapon in this fight!’
BU: Creating Intercultural Dialogue with Art
Hadi, a young Afghani artist who currently lives in Stockholm, Sweden has established his project BU in order to help people connect through art. In his workshops he teaches participants how to paint and draw their feelings, helping them to connect across languages, cultures and generations.
Stockholm, Sweden
Art Workshops, Intercultural Dialogue, Storytelling
‘During my first year in Sweden, I discovered my talent in art and design, and from that day my whole life changed and the new chapter of my life began.I began to learn how to communicate with my art, tell and say what I mean and what I have for feelings and thoughts. Art saved my life and I want to save the lives of others with art.‘
Learning from Experiences
All participants of the MY LIFE project brought unique projects, social enterprises and personal experiences to the program. Together they developed a guide with elements for successful projects.
