The summer camp focused on creating meaningful connections as a foundation for democratic citizenship. The five half-day program was experience-based, combining music and creativity within the workshops. It was built on the belief that everyone is unique but not perfect, and that thinking only in terms of right and wrong does not encourage tolerance toward people with different perspectives. We aimed to cultivate openness to diverse viewpoints and to practice various ways of working toward one’s goals as active democratic citizens.
Each day was co-designed and hosted in collaboration with one or more of MILAGRO’s local partners. This approach allowed us to engage different target groups and bring together a diverse mix of participants. In total, 76 unique individuals participated in at least one camp day, but the total attendance was higher, since some people participated in more than one event.
1. Workshop 1 (June 14): Me, myself and we
The day addressed the theme of Identity & Self-Awareness through a workshop aimed at seeking one’s core identity (for the day) and putting it in connection with the core identity of others. An identity wall was created. The day was organized in collaboration with our local partner Welkom in Utrecht in the framework of and during their initiative ‘Africa Safari Festival’, in collaboration with social enterprise Beats of Hope Africa, whose founder performed during the workshop, and 30 participants attended the workshop.
Picture (1). The theme of Identity & Self-Awareness through a workshop
Picture 1 shows the Identity Circle workshop activity. The workshop helped participants explore their life roles and express their core identity in a creative, supportive setting.
Objectives of the workshop
- To encourage participants to reflect on the multiple roles they hold in society.
- To facilitate a process of letting go of external labels to focus on the inner self.
- To provide a safe space for self-expression, creativity, and group sharing.
- To strengthen a sense of collective identity among participants.
Outcomes
- Participants gained clarity about the difference between external roles and their inner selves.
- The group expressed identity in both personal and symbolic ways (words, colors, sounds, shapes).
- The activity fostered a safe, inclusive, and nonjudgmental environment, encouraging trust and community spirit.
Conclusion
The Identity Circle workshop successfully met its objectives by guiding participants through self-exploration and creative expression. Through role identification, symbolic reflection, and group sharing, individuals were able to connect more deeply with themselves while also experiencing a sense of belonging within the group. The closing collective statement “We are…” captured the spirit of shared identity, making the session both meaningful and memorable.
2. Workshop 2 (June 27): Many roads, one path.
The day highlighted unity, diversity, tolerance, and mutual support and it was organized in collaboration with our local partners Het WelkomHuis and AllOne. The two sessions took place during the Dutch lesson time for a group of Brazilian (speaking) migrants. The first session centered on sharing happy memories, while the second invited participants to creatively relive moments of freedom and tolerance by recreating them with dough and objects in a keepsake jar.
As shown in Picture 2, the “potje” workshop (Dutch for ‘glass jar,’ also meaning ‘making a mess of it’) encouraged self-expression, storytelling, and connection through art, with 14 participants taking part.
Objectives
- To reflect on a personal memory and connect with it.
- To decorate and personalize the pot as a symbolic object.
- To create a space for sharing stories and building a community.
Picture (2): Many roads, one path workshop through making a pojte
Outcomes
- Each participant created a unique glass jar representing a personal memory.
- The activity supported creativity, mindfulness, and storytelling.
- The workshop fostered a sense of community and deeper connection among participants.
Conclusion
The “Making a Potje for a Memory” workshop successfully combined art and reflection. It provided participants not only with a handmade pot but also with a lasting symbol of a personal experience. The sessions highlighted how simple creative activities can become powerful tools for memory, self-expression, and connection, and the afternoon ended with Brazilian snacks and drinks.
3. Workshop 3 (6 July): What matters most
The activities explored shared values and aspirations to foster empathy and were organized in collaboration with one of the local partners: Welkom in Utrecht. Eight people with different (migrant) backgrounds participated; they crafted their personal life wheel using collage techniques and discussed the choices of the values they had incorporated in their wheel, with the other participants.
Picture (3): What matters most, through life wheel collage
As Picture 3 shows, the session was designed to help participants reflect on their personal values, current life priorities, and overall balance. By using visual and creative tools, participants were encouraged to explore what mattered most to them and how different areas of life contributed to their well-being.
Objectives
- To inspire reflection on life values and priorities.
- To visualize areas of balance and imbalance in daily life.
- To encourage sharing and dialogue among participants.
- To emphasize uniqueness: there is no “right or wrong” way to view one’s life balance.
Outcomes
- Participants gained insight into their current values and priorities.
- The creative wheel provided a visual tool for understanding balance in different areas of life.
- Group sharing fostered openness, trust, and recognition of diverse perspectives.
- The activity reinforced the importance of personal uniqueness and self-awareness.
Conclusion
The Life Balance Wheel workshop was effective in combining reflection, creativity, and group dialogue. By engaging both mind and imagination, participants were able to visualize their life priorities and share personal insights. The activity highlighted that balance looks different for everyone, supporting the broader theme of self-awareness and respect for diversity. After the workshops, participants and the MILAGRO team celebrated the session with music and dinner.
4. Workshop 4 (July 10, afternoon): Tomorrow starts with Me/Us
The day focused on active citizenship, with workshops co-created with local partners WelkomHuis and Beats of Hope Africa, inspired by Ubuntu as a community-driven framework. Participants experienced the importance of circle and belonging through making music, listening to songs, and guided meditation. The addressed topics were: belonging and fitting in (being yourself); dignity and feeling value in yourself / feeling value for who you are, and the three-stage Ubuntu pathway: connection, nurturing, and empowerment. The founder of Beats of Hope for Africa, Mr. Daniel Okiror, read passages from his new book “Reaching Beyond”. The day was attended by 15 participants.
As Picture 4 shows, the workshop Tomorrow Starts with Me/Us explored the theme of active citizenship: how individuals could empower themselves and others by taking action.
Objectives
- To explore the meaning of belonging and fitting in while remaining authentic to oneself.
- To reflect on dignity, self-worth, and confidence in one’s being.
- To introduce the Ubuntu three-stage pathway: connection, nurturing, and empowerment.
- To encourage participants to consider how their contributions—voluntary or paid—add value to both themselves and the community.
- To formulate personal actions for empowerment and community contribution.
Picture (4): The workshop Tomorrow Starts with Me/Us explored the theme of active citizenship:
Outcomes
- Deeper Understanding: Participants reflected on the importance of belonging and the link between dignity and contribution.
- Ubuntu Practice: Participants experienced Ubuntu values in action—connection, nurturing, and empowerment.
- Action-Oriented Reflection: Everyone formulated a personal takeaway for future action, connecting learning to daily life.
- Community Building: Informal conversations during breaks strengthened relationships among participants.
Conclusion
The workshop Tomorrow Starts with Me/Us successfully created a space for reflection and empowerment. Through the Ubuntu framework, music, meditation, and dialogue, participants explored how dignity, belonging, and contribution are interconnected. The day emphasized that empowerment begins with the individual but grows in value when shared with the community. The afternoon ended with snacks and drinks.
5. Workshop 5 (July 10, morning): Conflict as Opportunity
The workshop Conflict as Opportunity was organized for a group of status-holders during one of their mandatory Dutch language classes, with the participation of several Dutch teachers. It was attended by 13 participants.
As Picture 5 describes, the workshop of conflict as an opportunity emphasized practicing non-judgmental and non-violent communication and provided a safe environment for learning. Since the session was conducted in Dutch, participants not only practiced social skills but also expanded their Dutch vocabulary related to emotions.
Objectives
- To understand conflict as a natural and manageable part of daily life.
- To practice recognizing and expressing emotions in conflict situations.
- To learn the basics of Non-Violent Communication (NVC).
- To expand Dutch language skills, particularly vocabulary related to emotions and communication.
- To foster connection and mutual understanding among participants.
Picture (5): Conflict as Opportunity through practicing non-judgmental and non-violent communication
Outcomes
- Practical learning: Participants gained insight into how conflicts arise and how they can be addressed constructively.
- Skill development: Introduction and practice of Non-Violent Communication helped participants learn how to express feelings and needs without judgment.
- Language learning: Participants practiced new Dutch words for emotions and communication.
- Community building: Sharing food and drinks during the break created space for informal connections and strengthened the sense of belonging.
- Participation: 13 individuals took part, actively engaging in discussions, games, and reflection.
Conclusion
The Conflict as Opportunity workshop provided a meaningful and enjoyable learning experience. Through games, role play, and guided reflection, participants discovered that conflict does not have to be negative but could instead serve as an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others. The combination of practical communication tools, Dutch language learning, and community-building activities made the session both impactful and memorable. In addition, the shared break with cake, treats, and drinks provided an informal opportunity to connect and build relationships.
