As part of the SAFE project, we conducted two Storytelling Rooms in Berlin – spaces where young people could share their personal experiences related to war, displacement, and everyday challenges. The sessions brought together participants who arrived in Germany after the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The sessions focused on experiences of displacement, adaptation, and participation in German society. Using trauma-sensitive facilitation, participants mapped their personal journeys since arriving in Germany and reflected on moments of belonging, misunderstanding, and support. The format combined individual reflection (timelines, metaphors) with collective dialogue and creative expression. Insights from the Berlin sessions highlighted the importance of language accessibility, peer support, and the role of youth initiatives in integration.
The anonymized stories collected in Berlin are contributing to the international analysis across all partner countries. Together with our consortium, we use these insights to shape practical methods and recommendations for youth workers supporting heterogeneous groups of young people affected by war.
