Every person has a story to tell. But some stories are not heard as often as they may need to be.
During the first half of 2024, UNHCR’s Representation for the Nordic and Baltic countries coordinated the Refugee Speakers Programme. The Refugee Speakers Programme is an initiative, run with support from speaking coaches from TEDxStockholm and other TEDx organizations, which provides an opportunity for aspiring speakers with refugee background to develop their storytelling and public speaking skills.
Throughout the programme, the participants – Lesia, Ayan, Purity, Kateryna, and Miles – participated in a series of workshops and received individual coaching in public speaking to prepare them for sharing their personal stories about fleeing and building a new life in Sweden.
On 17 June 2024, the participants shared their stories in front of a public audience at UNHCR’s World Refugee Day ‘Pass the Mic’ event.
Watch the video to learn more about the programme, and scroll down to meet Lesia, Ayan, Purity, Kateryna, and Miles and listen to their stories.
Voices Without Borders
The choir Voices Without Borders (Gränslösa röster) performed three songs at our Pass the Mic event on 17 June. The choir consists of asylum seekers, newly arrived and established Swedes, all united by the power of music.
Scroll through the photo carousel below to see more photos from when UNHCR passed the mic to Lesia, Ayan, Purity, Kateryna, and Miles
“You don’t need to be a refugee to lose hope. But I will share what helps me to get hope back and how it wouldn't be possible without others." At #PassTheMic, Lesia shared her story of gaining back agency in the face of uncontrollable adversity. © Terran
Ayan shared her heartfelt story of leaving home, overcoming trauma, and learning to trust again during Pass The Mic. © Terran
The choir Voices Without Borders (Gränslösa Röster) performed at Pass The Mic. © Terran
In his Pass The Mic speech, Miles invited us to reflect on our behavior and attitude toward our surroundings. His words served as a reminder of the importance of compassion. © Terran
Purity performed a poem and dance about her experience of facing and fleeing homophobic and transphobic violence in Uganda before being resettled to Sweden through UNHCR. © Terran
Kateryna recounted the harrowing escape from her home in Ukraine to seek safety for her young family in Sweden. Here, she has found comfort and resilience through leaning into gratitude. © Terran
The choir Voices Without Borders consists of asylum seekers, refugees and locals. © Terran
After the speakers had shared their stories they, and their TEDx coaches, received flowers on stage. © Terran
After the speakers had shared their stories they, and their TEDx coaches, received flowers on stage. © Terran
Participants of the Refugee Speakers Programme 2024 told their stories at Pass the Mic, an event to mark World Refugee Day © TERRAN
After the refugee speakers delivered their speeches, it was time to mingle and enjoy some refreshments. © Terran
