Call for applicants: Interested in sharing your experiences as a refugee?

Raul, one of the participants of the Refugee Speakers Programme 2022, telling his story on World Refugee Day © Max-Michel Kolijn

UNHCR’s Representation for the Nordic and Baltic Countries is pleased to announce that the call for applicants for the Refugee Speakers Programme 2024 is now open. UNHCR is looking for aspiring public speakers in Sweden with a refugee background who are passionate about telling their story and advocating for the refugee cause.

The Refugee Speakers Programme was first launched in 2022 and is an initiative run with the support of expert speaker coaches from TEDx organizations. The programme seeks to give aspiring speakers with a refugee background an opportunity to develop their public speaking skills and share their story.

The programme will take place during the spring of 2024. Through the programme, participants will have the opportunity to take part in workshops on public speaking, trauma and storytelling, the global refugee situation and UNHCR’s work as well as receive one-to-one coaching in public speaking.

Who can apply?

Recognized refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary or temporary protection above the age of 18 and residing in Sweden are welcome to apply. There are limited spaces and UNHCR will respect and prioritize diversity in the selection of participants. Working level English and Swedish language skills are required – and applicants need to feel comfortable speaking publicly in either English or Swedish.

We are looking for participants who are willing to tell their personal story and are interested in advocating for the refugee cause, locally or globally.

What does the programme include?

• 3-5 workshops will be held virtually during spring 2024 (dates to be shared later)
• Individual coaching sessions with expert coaches. The sessions can be held virtually or in person, depending on logistics – to be agreed on between coach and mentee

At the end of the programme, UNHCR will host an event on World Refugee Day (20 June 2024) where participants in the programme may be asked to share their stories. UNHCR may also facilitate other speaking opportunities to be agreed bilaterally according to interests, availability, opportunities and readiness. We also encourage participants to themselves explore potential speaking opportunities.

Past participants have spoken at the democracy festival Almedalen and at schools and have had their story published in Vi magazine. Former participants of the Refugee Speakers Programme are also featured on UNHCR’s “Invite a Refugee Speaker” webpage.

Learn more about the Refugee Speakers Programme and listen to the stories of the class of 2022 and the stories of the class of 2023.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

Please note that the call for applicants is now closed.

What to highlight in your application:

• What do you hope to gain from the programme?
• What stories do you want to share?
• Do you have any prior experience with public speaking or engaging in public discourse?
• Are you willing to be coached?
• What are three things about you that you would like us to know?

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