An open cafe where individuals discussed about their own personal life experiences
On 9th July, we opened up and got personal in the SITID: Social Integration Through Informal Dialogue project. We created an open space for individuals to discuss together their life experiences and personal stories to express how that has shaped them as an individual.
Mobilizing Expertise youth leader, opened the cafe in an informal way creating a comfortable and natural environment for all the participants that attended. Because of this individuals felt relaxed to share their personal struggles and challenges they have faced.
Through purposeful discussion, participants were prompted by the youth leaders to share their life experiences. With the help of some Swedish biscuits and a cup of tea, the conversation made it around the whole circle in a spontaneous and natural fashion whereby individual began openly questioning each other and opening up about positives highlights, trails and tribulations and turning points in their lives.
For example, one individual shared about her university experiences; expressing how she had surprised her family by being the first of them to go to university. She added her how she had progressed through the course and enjoyed the practical work placement elements in youth work; from working in a prison with young men to spending time in New York.
During the Swedish summer and holiday time, it can be a challenge to attract people to come but by connecting with university students and immigrant youth we have increased the interest and our group has grown.