Migration encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences that extend far beyond a mere change of location. Through the Erasmus+ Youth project, “Digital Storytelling for Active Citizenship: Empowering Youth Through Migration Narratives,” 11 participants from Finland and Germany—several of whom are migrants themselves—have harnessed digital storytelling to delve into various aspects of migration. These young creators have produced insightful narratives on themes ranging from personal integration stories and an Islamic group’s community activism to climate migration as seen through the eyes of activists. Their work offers a diverse and multifaceted look at the challenges and opportunities of migration.
This project, led by Migration Matters and Cooperative 3E, provided participants with comprehensive training through in-person workshops, hybrid sessions, and online courses between December 2023-July 2024. The youth participants (18-30 years old) learned about solutions journalism, migration in the EU, narrative building, digital storytelling, filming and editing, and more. An additional focus of the project was fostering DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) skills aong participants. With mentorship from the project team, the youth crafted their own digital stories on migration-related topics, offering fresh perspectives on complex issues.
Out of the 11 participants in our program, six chose to develop videos or visual stories as their project output. Below, you can explore these six compelling stories.
Anastasiia’s Story: Navigating Life in Berlin
What challenges do Russian migrants face when adapting to life in Berlin, and how do they overcome these hurdles? Explore the stories of two migrants who share their experiences and struggles, from navigating bureaucracy to finding good medical care.
Ayda’s Story: Challenges and Triumphs in Finland
What is it like to be a young female immigrant in Finland? In this video, Ayda tells us firsthand about her experiences adapting to a new culture, facing prejudice, and navigating her path to a hopeful future.
Hosna’s Story: Voices of Immigrants in Vaasa
Discover what it’s really like for young immigrants from around the world who have moved to Vaasa, Finland. Through this street survey, hear firsthand accounts from those pursuing university studies, launching new careers, or seeking safety after leaving their previous lives behind.
Lennart’s Story: How One Islamic Community is Giving Back
Join An-Nusrat, a spiritual community dedicated to helping those in need, as they distribute food and clothes in Berlin every Wednesday. Their mission, inspired by the Islamic principle of ‘zakat’, aims to support and reintegrate the homeless and those economically disadvantaged into society.
Muhammad’s Story: The Reality for International Students in Finland
What’s it like for international students adjusting to life in Finland? Hear from Khoula, Hammad, Vida, and Asim as they share their personal journeys—ranging from navigating culture shock to addressing mental health challenges in a new academic and social environment.
Sophie’s Story: Indonesian Climate Activists in Germany
How are Indonesian climate activists making a difference in Germany? By combining their unique perspectives from an island nation and working in a new environment, they bridge global efforts in renewable energy and emphasize the critical link between climate action and migration.
Adina’s Story: Climate Concerns Among Young Indonesians
Aliye’s Story: Proving Identity: The LGBTQI+ Asylum Journey
Shaun’s Story: Migration in media: What do young people think about biased content?
All the above stories were produced during the Digital Storytelling for Active Citizenship: Empowering Youth through Migration Narratives project coordinated by Cooperative 3E and Migration Matters. The project was funded by the Erasmus+ youth programme, which is funded by the European Union. Neither the EU nor the European Agency for Education and Culture (EACEA) is responsible for the content of this publication. Find out more about Erasmus+ programme.