Living Library

BSF

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Audience

Adults and Teens

Attendees

10-20

Number of facilitators

2-3

Level

Advanced

Preparation

1 hour 30 minutes

Activity

2 hours

Description

The Living Library is an interactive session where participants engage in personal conversations with “Human Books”—individuals who share their real-life experiences as people from migrant backgrounds. The goal is to foster empathy, challenge stereotypes, and build mutual understanding across communities.
Inspired by the Human Library initiative. More info: humanlibrary.org

Objectives

Participants will:
• Promote intercultural dialogue and empathy
• Challenge common misconceptions about migration
• Encourage respect for diversity and human rights
• Strengthen community ties through storytelling
• Provide a safe space for meaningful conversations

Worked skills

• Active listening and empathy
• Storytelling and public speaking
• Intercultural relations

Prerequisites for the audience

• Basic language proficiency (shared with facilitator)
• Willingness to share personal stories and engage respectfully.

Equipment

• Chairs/tables for small group discussions
• Name tags, coloured sticky notes
• Large (or individual) world map
• Feedback forms

Content used

• Real-life stories from migrant participants.
• (Optional) Videos from the DiverCidade Braga Project.
• Printed discussion prompts
• (Optional) Travel cards and/or geneology tree handouts for participants to complete
• (Optional) Present the Mapping Journey Project by Bouchra Khalili (https://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/1627)