05/12/2021
Greece
participants
We aimed to create a space where everyone would be encouraged to speak out and get out of their comfort zone. Young people from different backgrounds need to speak out, see how they can help local people and interact with the local community. So, we wanted also to give this platform to them. The big goal was to counter stereotypes by hearing the stories of people who have faced discrimination. Real stories are more impactful than theoretical sessions. So, we wanted hem to gain some empathy by experiencing this.
Bias and discrimination are two issues that gain constantly more attention. To fully understand how it feels to face this kind of behaviours, one should experience it. During this event, the participants had the opportunity to meet and engage with teams and people who have dealt with prejudice and discrimination. These people shared their stories and experiences, and the participants were able to step into their shoes by asking them questions and realising their reality. We aimed to create a space where everyone was encouraged to speak out and get out of their comfort zone. By the end of the event, participants learnt something new and had become more aware. After the end of the event, we organized a dinner for discussion of all the information gained through the event.
Where: Connect Athens, Atlantos 22 (Connect Athens is a new hub bringing together young people from different backgrounds)
When: 4th of December
With whom: We cooperated with some organisations that protect people from minority groups. In our event, a refugee, an LGBTQI+ representative, a homeless person, a person with a physical disability, youth workers shared their stories. Every story had a coordinator that facilitated the discussion and secured that the person who said the story will feel comfortable during the whole event.
On the 5th of December, participants had also the chance to meet again in person with our speakers for processing the information given.
