JeS partner CESIE continues to explore personal experiences, transforming them into tools for dialogue, inclusion, and social change. Recently, this journey has been enriched with various activities that combine innovative methodologies with themes of great social importance in the scope of Palermo.
First among these activities is the Story Circle. This is a participatory methodology that encourages the sharing of personal stories in a safe space where all voices are heard with respect and without interruptions. In October, this method was used by CESIE in a meeting with migrant women already involved in the PLOUTOS project, which promotes the autonomy of migrants through entrepreneurial training. Sharing their personal stories allowed the participants to initiate a collective dialogue, particularly about the daily challenges faced by migrants, but also the rewards from their journeys. The stories that emerged helped to dismantle common stereotypes about migration, highlighting not only the difficulties but also the resources, determination, and resilience that define the migrant experience.
Another key methodology of the project is Photovoice, which combines photography and storytelling to give visibility to often overlooked subjective experiences. In preparation for the Multisensory Workshop, which will be held at the end of November in Finland with project partners, the Italian JeS team organized an activity where participants selected and narrated personal photographs related to the theme of belonging. This exercise provided an opportunity to explore this concept both as an experience of grounding in a place far from “home” and as a reflection on the inequalities linked to global mobility and the privileges associated with travel documents. The themes that emerged will be used to create a multisensory space, which during the workshop will explore the topic of human rights and belonging. This multisensory environment, designed to engage various senses through images, sounds, objects, and scents, aims to stimulate an emotional and sensory understanding of the issues discussed.
The JeS project evolves not only through its own activities but also through the synergies created with other European projects, enriching the overall approach and broadening its impact. One example of this collaboration is participation in the workshop organized as part of EU+Map – Map of Experiences across Europe, an initiative that promotes the use of storytelling and non-formal educational methodologies. Participation in the workshop strengthened the practices of the JeS project, showing how sharing experiences and methods can amplify social impact.