Niš, Serbia | 12–18 September 2026
Bringing Young People Together Through Storytelling
From 12 to 18 September 2026, 24 youth workers, educators, and trainers from Serbia, Italy, Portugal, Morocco, Lebanon, and Egypt came together in Niš, Serbia, for an international training course organized as part of the My Story – Storytelling to Combat Gender-Based Inequalities in European and MEDA Countries project, co-funded by the European Union.
Over six days, participants had the opportunity to learn from one another, share their experiences, and explore how storytelling can be used to address gender inequalities and encourage positive change within their communities.
Euro-Med EVE Maroc, as one of the project partners, participated in the training alongside representatives of the other partner organizations. The gathering offered an opportunity to exchange ideas, discover different perspectives, and strengthen cooperation between youth organizations from Europe and the Mediterranean region.
Exploring Gender Equality Through the My Story Methodology
The training introduced participants to the My Story methodology, which uses personal stories, photography, and creative activities to encourage discussions about gender equality and women's empowerment.
Rather than relying only on traditional presentations, the sessions encouraged participants to take an active role in the learning process. Through group activities, discussions, teamwork, and photo storytelling exercises, they explored how gender stereotypes influence everyday life and how young people can contribute to challenging them.
Particular attention was given to women's participation in decision-making, gender-based discrimination, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to express themselves and be heard.
Photography was an important part of the experience. Participants explored how a simple image, when connected to a personal story, can communicate experiences and emotions that are sometimes difficult to express through words alone. This approach helped them discover new ways of addressing sensitive topics and encouraging conversations within their communities.
Six Countries, Different Experiences, Shared Challenges
One of the most valuable aspects of the training was the opportunity to bring together people from different countries and backgrounds.
Although participants came from different social and cultural environments, many of the challenges discussed during the sessions were familiar to everyone. Conversations about gender stereotypes, equal opportunities, and women's representation showed both the similarities and differences between the realities experienced across the participating countries.
The international group activities created space for participants to share examples from their own communities, listen to different opinions, and reflect on approaches that could be adapted to their local contexts.
Beyond the training sessions, the week was also about getting to know one another, building connections, and developing the trust needed for future cooperation.
Bringing New Ideas Back to Our Communities
The experience in Niš was not only about learning a new methodology. It was also about thinking of practical ways to use storytelling in youth work and community activities.
Throughout the training, participants explored how the techniques they had learned could be adapted into local workshops, educational activities, and awareness-raising initiatives.
For Euro-Med EVE Maroc, the training provided useful ideas and approaches that can contribute to our work with young people in Morocco, particularly in activities related to gender equality, inclusion, and youth empowerment.
It also gave us the opportunity to learn from the experiences of our international partners and reflect on how creative educational methods can make difficult subjects more accessible and engaging for young people.
The knowledge and experiences gained in Serbia will contribute to the next stages of the My Story project, as partners continue working together to develop activities that encourage young people to share their experiences and challenge discrimination.
About the My Story Project
My Story – Storytelling to Combat Gender-Based Inequalities in European and MEDA Countries is a capacity-building project that aims to promote gender equality and strengthen the ability of youth organizations to address gender-based discrimination and violence.
The project is coordinated by Hate Fighters Network (HFN) from Serbia, in partnership with Beyond Borders from Italy, FuteBola Sport from Portugal, Euro-Med EVE Maroc from Morocco, Youth Development Organization from Lebanon, and Jovesolides Egypt from Egypt.
Through international training activities, non-formal education, storytelling, and awareness-raising initiatives, the project seeks to give young people, especially young women and marginalized groups, more opportunities to express themselves, share their experiences, and take an active role in their communities.
The project runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2027 and is co-funded by the European Union.
Moving Forward Together
After six days of activities, discussions, and shared experiences, the training in Niš came to an end, but the work continues.
Participants returned to their countries with new ideas, practical tools, and connections that can support their work with young people. The experience also reminded us that stories, whether told through words or images, can help people understand realities different from their own.
For Euro-Med EVE Maroc, being part of My Story means continuing to learn, collaborate, and create opportunities for young people to make their voices heard.
Because your story can be someone else's strength.