about the projectStory-Sharing For Social Change
This project, developed within the Erasmus+ program, explores how story-sharing can support people and communities at risk of marginalisation. The project aims to provide practical and easy to use storytelling tools for adult educators.
From January 2024 to April 2025, partners from Poland and Iceland led research, training and workshops, based on what they developed and gathered guidelines and education materials presented on this website.
In Poland, the project focused on elderly citizens, while in Iceland, it supported immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The project results show how sharing stories, knowledge, and personal experiences in a safe setting can promote social engagement, inclusion and empowerment, and how in a responsible and ethical manner support individuals and groups in reclaiming their stories and create positive change in their lives and local communities.
The Via Salutis Foundation
Established in 2019 in Poland, the foundation supports older adults as well as their caregivers and educators in promoting healthy lifestyles, social engagement, and personal development.
The Foundation implements numerous projects, workshops, and educational programs, including innovative methods such as DraBiNa (drama, biography, narrative), laughter yoga, and memory exercises, focusing on seniors' physical, mental, and social well-being. It operates a Mobile Psychogerontological Counseling Center, educates senior animators, develops original work tools, and conducts research through the 4 AGE think tank, exploring aging and senior issues across various life domains.
Recognized with awards like the Marshal of Lower Silesia's Award and certification in the “Stars of Business” competition, the Foundation actively fosters integration and healthy aging while being a member of multiple pro-senior and social organizations.
ALO Ísland
ALO Ísland, a Reykjavík-based non-profit founded in 2014, promotes community learning and social inclusion. Its key initiatives include Viltu Business, supporting immigrant entrepreneurship in Iceland via conferences and publications, RVK Poetics, a platform for international poets and artists in Iceland, and Kaleidoscope, an international art-based integration project for migrant youth.
With expertise in intercultural projects, arts-based education, and supporting social connection, ALO Ísland organizes events, fosters social equity, and develops innovative tools and methods to support new entrepreneurs, educators, and artists while celebrating cultural diversity.
Our groups
Inmigrants in Iceland
Elderly citizens in Poland
Over the last three decades, Iceland's demographic landscape has transformed, with immigrants exceeding 20% of the population by 2023. Despite policies promoting multiculturalism, integration challenges persist, including language barriers, employment access, and societal acceptance.
Immigrants often face microaggressions, stereotyping, and hierarchical discrimination based on racialized appearances or accents, which can deepen isolation and hinder integration. The media frequently misrepresents immigrant stories, reducing individuals to simplistic labels that amplify marginalization. Additionally, re-traumatization during immigration interrogations and unrealistic societal expectations burden newcomers striving for acceptance while preserving authenticity. Language acquisition remains a significant hurdle, creating a divide between Icelandic and English speakers and limiting opportunities for those who speak neither.
Poland faces significant demographic changes as its aging population poses challenges across education, healthcare, and social policy sectors. Seniors (60+) in Poland comprise 22% of the population, projected to rise to 40% by 2025.
This group is diverse in age, health, and life circumstances but shares common challenges like health issues, loneliness, and ageism. Age-based discrimination often marginalizes seniors, limiting their autonomy and social participation while perpetuating negative stereotypes. Social isolation, loss of roles, and weakened intergenerational bonds further exacerbate their exclusion. Addressing these issues requires promoting dignity, engagement, and recognition of seniors' contributions to society.
Our report: A Needs Assessment on Social Engagement, Empowerment, and Inclusion through Storytelling Methods
Discover the insights from our "Story-sharing for Social Change" small-scale study. This report presents key findings from our research on using storytelling to empower marginalized groups, with practical tools and guidelines for educators to foster inclusion and social engagement.
Story-sharing for Social Change: A Needs Assessment on Social Engagement, Empowerment, and Inclusion through Storytelling Methods (Final Report)
J. Cortes, B. Kras, J. LoMonaco, E. Marcinek, A. Przepiórska-Ułaszewska, P. Ułaszewski, I. Valckx
Reykjavík, 2024