VOICES From Migrations sails high in Thessaloniki!

From 4-7 September, Thessaloniki experienced an influx of university students from across Europe, all determined to leave their mark on the coastal city. Their goal? To join “VOICES From Migrations” and be part of the EU’s rich cultural history. 

Fueled by the participants’ enthusiasm, the three-day journey marked another milestone for the project, which first launched in Brussels on 11 May and continued in Rosarno last July. Joining from 20 countries, the young changemakers arrived in Greece to once again uncover migration testimonies, engage in life-changing dialogue, and draft policy recommendations aimed at making a difference in Europe’s rural communities.

Co-funded by the European Union (and in collaboration with EucA and the Municipality of Rosarno), the closing event of VOICES’ first phase was hosted by Perrotis College - a branch of the American Farm School. True to its spirit of philoxenia, the institution opened the program with a welcome address by Dr. Jeffrey Lansdale, President of the American Farm School, followed by energizing icebreakers and an insightful lecture on Thessaloniki’s rich migration history.

FROM WORDS TO ACTION:

The first day featured thematic workshops on Policy Recommendations Writing, Gender Mainstreaming, and Content Creation & Guidelines, led by EucA staff.

In addition, Ms. Iveta Madarova from My House of European History returned to the project to deliver an interactive workshop on storytelling and interviewing techniques. Her mentorship equipped students with tools to practice active listening, sharpen empathy, and better understand the challenges of documenting migrant experiences.

After a full day of training and cultural exploration, students came back energized for day two, when they put their new skills into practice. Divided into groups, they interviewed and recorded the testimonies of 20 citizens, whose sories of integration, belonging, and heritage shed light into the many ways migration takes shape.

A HEARTFELT "SEE YOU SOON":

The final day was a moving ceremony where the changemakers showcased the results of their work by talking about the lessons learned, and showing clips of the interviews they conducted. 

Pantelis Chantzaras, Coordinator of Students and Alumni Affairs at Perrotis College, gave a lasting statement empowering the students to continue their mission of advocacy, recalling the importance of “building bridges, not walls”, and commending all participants for their active involvement in the program. 

Ms. Iveta Madarova also offered key insights on the value of such initiatives for the European Parliament’s mission, thanking the changemakers for their interest and dedication to practice active citizenship, and foster integration and unity across nations.

Participants of VOICES From Migrations in Perrotis College's campus.

The Thessaloniki chapter marks a pause in the VOICES journey, but not the end.

In January 2026, a High-Level Summit on Anti-Racism and Integration Strategies for Local Policymakers will take place in Brussels, where the policy recommendations drafted during the first three events will be presented to European decision-makers.

Later in the year, an International Conference and Multicultural Festival will follow in Rosarno, once again bringing together students under the motto: “Bridging Past and Present for a Cohesive and Integrated Society.”

More stories and updates coming soon!

Learn more about VOICES From Migrations here.

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.