Resource
Stories have the magical power to connect us, regardless of what journeys we have undertaken. They are passed down through generations, preserving what is precious for families and communities, sparking dreams and evoking emotions. Stories can move us to tears, help us make sense of the world in the darkest times, and allow us to celebrate moments of love and joy.
In June 2022, in collaboration with Arkista - Art for Kids in a Stable - and The Boat Collective, a refugee-led art group, the International Rescue Committee invited women and children from Afghanistan, Iran, and Greece to come together in Athens and share stories in a safe space of acceptance and understanding, art and play.
Day by day, they uncovered that, what may seem “far away” at first glance, is dearly similar across the world. As one of the tales goes, “everything in the world has its own good aspects,” even the thorns of a rose have their own beauty. Similarly, regardless of our origins and the different flowers that we are, we can all flourish together in the same garden.
“Tales from Home” were born out of this safe space of understanding; the participants entrusted us with their stories and created the most meaningful connections that paved the way for the creation of this book.
The collection, embracing folk tales spanning from Afghanistan to Greece, underscores the importance of intercultural dialogue and serves as a testament to how the integration of refugees and the acknowledgment of our diversity can facilitate social cohesion— in Greece and around the world—telling the story of understanding and connectedness we all share beneath the same sky, sun, and moon.
