AKWAABA: Welcome to BNWs.
'Bridges! Not Walls' is a migration storytelling initiative that originated in 2017 as a continuation of another project called 'Calling back history Africa.' This precursor project, written by Kelvin Akpaloo, Eurobug's creative director, aimed to raise awareness about the reasons why migrants, particularly from Africa, move. 'Calling back history Africa' was led by young migrants in Africa living in Ireland, providing a platform for them to share their perspectives through movement and poetry.
"Bridges Not Walls" Reducing Inequality- (Race and Origin).
In 2023, Eurobug International took the helm in steering the impactful "Bridges Not Walls" project during a four-year Erasmus plus Youth exchange in Germany. Over the course of the exchange, the project unfolded as a compelling narrative, blending documentary and dance performances that showcased personal reflections on race and origin, as well as the profound notions of belonging and home. These performances resonated deeply across the cities of Erfurt, Weimar, and Berlin.
The collaborative effort involved five nations and six organizations, including Eurobug Lithuania, Associação "Fortes Sempre," Creative Youth Platform, and KAMM Artistic Europe. Together, we formed a global melting pot of diverse voices, contributing to the rich tapestry of the project. "Bridges Not Walls" transcended the realm of a mere initiative; it evolved into a community and familia, symbolizing unity, dialogue, and a shared human experience. This transformation stood as a testament to Eurobug's unwavering dedication to fostering connections and celebrating diversity. The project became a living embodiment of the values of unity and understanding, showcasing how art and collaboration can bridge gaps and forge meaningful connections among people from different backgrounds.
Documentary.
Images from the project.
BNWs-Solidarity-2022.
Bridges, not Walls! #Solidarity took place in Merkine, a quaint town situated on the border of Poland and Belarus in Merkineia. The primary objective of this project was to express SOLIDARITY towards migrants, utilizing the Sustainable Development Goals as a foundation, creative workshops, and performing arts as tools for advocacy in both rural areas and cities across Lithuania. The project's location played a crucial role in shaping its impact on participants and the local Merkine community.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Out of the 30 participants, a significant number—15 individuals—experienced their inaugural Erasmus+ journey through this project. Their involvement left them enthusiastic to delve into more social issues and explore additional Erasmus+ programs, eager to continue building their competencies and evolving into active global citizens.
The participating countries and organizations included Eurobug International from Ireland (Coordinators), Eurobug Lithuania from Lithuania (Host Country), Apice from Italy (Partners), Creative Platform from Georgia (Partners), and Europeimpulse from Spain (Partners). Together, they collaborated to make Bridges, not Walls! #Solidarity a meaningful and transformative experience for all involved.
