Storytelling Without Borders

Role: Project Manager and Lead Facilitator

Client: Storytelling Without Borders in collaboration with Lighthouse Relief
Timeframe: January - April 2018
Overview: Designed, implemented, and facilitated a roving series of immersive workshops for an EU-funded storytelling project, empowering young refugees in Greece to share their stories through film and stop-motion animation.

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Situation

Storytelling Without Borders (StWB) was a collaborative initiative between Lighthouse Relief and young refugees in Greece. The project aimed to empower these young individuals to tell their stories through film and stop-motion animation. The primary challenge was the lack of youth programming in many remote and hard-to-reach refugee camps, leaving young refugees without access to creative or educational resources. Additionally, these youths had no platform to share their experiences with a larger audience, thus their stories and perspectives remained unheard and unacknowledged.

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Our Approach

Phase 1: Project Launch and Workshop Initiation

• Officially launched the project in the Youth Engagement Space in Ritsona camp.

• Conducted pilot workshops to gauge participant interest and enthusiasm.

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Phase 2: Workshop Implementation and Outreach

• Conducted over 27 workshops in community centers and camp settings, reaching over 400 participants.

• Guided young refugees in using film and stop-motion animation techniques to communicate their stories.

• Expanded outreach efforts to build partnerships and engage diverse communities.

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Phase 3: Film Creation and Selection

• Participants created a total of 249 films, each reflecting their unique experiences and perspectives.

• Selected 30 films for publication on the official StWB website, showcasing the talent and creativity of the young filmmakers.

• Highlighted a diverse range of stories, capturing the complexity of the refugee experience.

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Results

• Empowerment and Expression: Enabled young refugees to share their stories through film and animation.

• Safe and Supportive Environment: Fostered a safe space for participants to explore their experiences.

• Transcending Borders: Showcased resilience and creativity, fostering empathy and connection.

• Greater Understanding and Awareness: Ensured wider audience engagement through published films.

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Storytelling Without Borders demonstrated the power of storytelling as a tool for empowerment and connection. By providing young refugees with the means to share their experiences through film and animation, the project showcased the resilience, creativity, and humanity of those affected by displacement.