Vilnius - The migrant's path is never an easy one. Every step is fraught with pain, uncertainty, and fear—particularly for those forced to flee the horrors of war. These individuals leave behind their homes —the places where they once loved, dreamed, and built their lives — taking only a few basic necessities and an infinite hope that one day they might rebuild. Their journey is not a choice – it is a necessity.

Settling in a foreign country marks the beginning of a new and often difficult chapter. It means adapting to new traditions, embracing an unfamiliar culture, and overcoming language barriers. This process is full of challenges, but it becomes more manageable with the support of friendly and understanding people. Recognizing this, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM Lithuania) organizes meetings and events to help foreigners in Lithuania connect with locals and fellow migrants who have also made Lithuania—and Vilnius in particular—their home.

One such initiative was the Storytelling Training Workshop held in October, which provided participants with tools to better narrate and share their personal stories. During the workshop, attendees learned how to structure their narratives, make them engaging, and deliver messages effectively. "I encouraged participants to choose their own stories to tell," says professional storyteller and mentor Milda Varnauskaitė. "Sometimes, you expect someone to speak about their migration journey or leaving their homeland, but they might choose to talk about challenges in their studies, friendships, or travels. The label of 'migrant' or 'refugee' does not define them. Of course, there were also stories of escaping the war in Ukraine and adapting to a new life, which underscored the cruelty and destructiveness of war."

Among the participants was Arina Balaban, who came to Lithuania from the Donetsk region when the war began. Currently studying International Marketing at Vilnius University, Arina joined the storytelling workshop because of her lifelong passion for creating stories. "I’ve loved writing since childhood," she explains. "I used to participate in competitions, and now my studies and professional interests revolve around writing. I joined the workshop to improve my skills."

In total, 12 foreigners participated in the IOM Lithuania training, each learning how to tell their story in a way that is both compelling and accessible to others. By sharing their stories with one another, participants not only practiced their skills but also built trust and reduced the fear of opening up.

Following the group training, four participants who were ready to share their stories publicly were given individual mentoring sessions. "To tell a story powerfully, we must open up and show our true selves," says Varnauskaitė. "This can feel intimidating at first, but it is through vulnerability that we form genuine and lasting connections with others."

After the intense training, the final event was the Home made stories event, where the workshop participants, determined to tell stories, got the chance to show what they have learned. Here, participants gathered not only to tell stories, but also to share food, tastes and memories of their home countries and lives. The evening brought together dishes, stories and melodies from different cultures, which warmed the hearts of the participants and allowed them to get to know each other better.

Reflecting on the event, Varnauskaitė shared her satisfaction with the outcomes: "I’m glad we had such a productive training, and that everyone brought so much of themselves to the process. We had a brief but meaningful journey together, and I hope everyone left with something valuable." She added, "Storytelling has been with humanity since the beginning. It has been our way of passing down values, history, and understanding the world. Stories connect people and foster empathy. The soft power of storytelling is immense, and through it, we can change the world for the better."

Event organizer Gintarė Skuodytė also expressed her admiration for the participants: "Starting a new life in a foreign country is already a challenge, and it takes even more courage to openly share your successes and struggles. It was inspiring to see so many people at the MiCentre who have chosen Lithuania as their home."