Storytelling workshops series hosted in Utrecht from February to April.
Building Bridges Through Storytelling: Workshop Series Connects Communities in
Utrecht
This spring, MILAGRO and its local partner Welkom in Utrecht brought people together through
the universal art of storytelling. Their five-part workshop series, led by a seasoned performer and
coach Soula Notos, aimed to foster connections between migrants, Utrecht residents, and
university students through sharing personal stories.
Throughout the series, Soula emphasized that storytelling is a practice rooted in every
culture—one that helps people build self-awareness and find common ground. Participants
explored their identities, shared meaningful memories, and learned how to craft compelling
stories. The workshops offered a space for participants to share and reflect on each other’s
journeys, from early memories and meaningful places to significant first experiences.
The sessions were interactive and dynamic, featuring exercises like storytelling games, peer
feedback, and the incorporation of native languages into personal narratives. Each activity was
designed to encourage authentic connection and build confidence across cultures and
backgrounds.
The series concluded with a storytelling night during the MILAGRO Utrecht Local Assembly,
where eight participants performed their stories before an audience of family members, friends,
university students, and local residents. The evening was a heartfelt celebration of shared
experiences, warmly received by all, and has already inspired plans for a second workshop series
later this year.
Through these workshops, storytelling proved to be a powerful way to bridge communities,
foster empathy, and celebrate the diverse voices that enrich Utrecht.
