23 October 2026 | Mirsal ry | Intergenerational Resilience Project

Mirsal ry continues to strengthen young people’s well-being, inclusion and resilience through school workshops and community activities organised as part of the Intergenerational Resilience Project (Ylisukupolvinen resilienssi).

The project brings together young people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, creating opportunities to learn about their rights, develop emotional and social skills, build confidence and strengthen their sense of belonging.

Young People’s Rights and Responsibilities: Workshop in Vantaa

On Wednesday, 21 October 2026, Ihab Imran Alsouse, Project Coordinator, conducted a workshop at a school in Vantaa focusing on young people’s rights and responsibilities.

The workshop explored fundamental rights, the responsibilities that accompany them and how young people can recognise situations where their rights may be at risk.

Students were also introduced to ways of seeking help, identifying trusted adults and accessing support services when facing challenges.

An important part of the workshop focused on encouraging young people to become active and responsible members of their communities, support one another and understand how their actions can positively influence those around them.

The workshop aimed to make these topics accessible and relevant to students’ everyday lives, helping them develop greater awareness of their rights and confidence in seeking support when needed.

Promoting Empathy and Inclusion Across Schools

Alongside the workshop in Vantaa, Amira Shroukh, Project Specialist, has been conducting workshops in schools across different cities throughout 2026.

Her work has focused on strengthening young people’s emotional skills, empathy, mutual understanding and sense of belonging within school communities.

Although the project places particular emphasis on the well-being and inclusion of Arabic- and Kurdish-speaking young people, the workshops are open to all students, regardless of their backgrounds.

Each school community has its own needs and challenges. Therefore, workshop content has been developed in close cooperation with school staff and adapted to the needs of different student groups.

A central theme has been helping young people understand their own emotions and recognise the experiences and perspectives of others. Through interactive activities, discussions and non-formal education methods, students are encouraged to develop empathy, improve communication and build positive relationships.

The workshops also address feelings of exclusion and the challenges young people may face when trying to find their place within a group or community.

Cultural sensitivity plays an important role in these activities. The aim is to create safe and respectful environments where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and where differences are recognised as opportunities for learning.

Building Trust Through Shared Experiences

Amira’s multicultural background has been a valuable element of her work with young people.

Students have shared positive feedback about being able to relate to her experiences, which has helped build trust and encourage open discussions.

These encounters demonstrate the importance of representation and understanding in youth work. When young people feel that their experiences are recognised and respected, they may feel more confident participating and expressing their opinions.

At the same time, the project recognises that every young person has a unique story and deserves to be heard as an individual.

Learning and Growing Beyond the Classroom

The Intergenerational Resilience Project is not limited to school-based activities.

Throughout the year, Mirsal has also organised camps, workshops, sports activities, visits and other community-based opportunities for young people.

These activities provide additional spaces for young people to develop friendships, strengthen social skills, discover new interests and participate actively in their communities.

By combining school workshops with non-formal learning and community activities, the project aims to strengthen resilience at individual, social and community levels.

Building More Inclusive Communities Together

The cooperation with schools and their staff has been an important part of the project’s success.

Mirsal believes that creating inclusive communities requires more than bringing people from different backgrounds together. It requires opportunities for meaningful interaction, mutual respect and understanding.

Through the work of Project Coordinator Ihab Imran Alsouse and Project Specialist Amira Shroukh, the Intergenerational Resilience Project continues to create opportunities for young people to learn, participate and feel valued.

Our goal is to support school communities where diversity is seen as a strength, every young person’s voice matters and no one feels left behind.

Mirsal warmly thanks all participating schools, teachers and young people for their cooperation, openness and contributions to the project.

Together, we can build safer, more equal and welcoming communities where every young person has the opportunity to belong and thrive.