Born To Survive

Written by Ewa Szpyt

A few hundred years of history embedded in the walls and frescoes, an intense sun, and a charming Italian old town – such was the scenery that accompanied the participants of the “Born To Survive” project in Abbiategrasso.

Throughout the week, we focused on deeply important topics such as human rights, social minorities, and the excluded. Although the world around us appeared idyllic, we were constantly reminded that this isn’t the reality everywhere, nor for everyone. In this international setting, we pooled our resources, experiences, and knowledge to develop solutions and create a starting point for actions that would enable everyone to live a life of their own design – not one dictated by financial circumstances, skin color, social status, beliefs, or, most importantly, their place of birth.

The discussions sparked during the workshops stretched long into the night, under the starry sky of the monastery. Despite our diverse lives and perspectives, there was an incredible sense of peace, joy in collaboration, and a feeling that no borders separated us. It was something truly special. In such an environment, with the shared intent to help those less fortunate, a magical atmosphere emerged. Sleep seemed unnecessary because the people around us radiated energy, sharing it with one another. We drew strength from each other. And what’s most beautiful is that this feeling lingers, long after the exchange ends. It stays with you forever – born from such powerful circumstances.

People from Italy, Romania, Croatia, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Spain – each person was extraordinary, each with a vibrant individuality. The openness I witnessed gave me the strength to do my best to remain human in every situation. In the city where I currently study, dehumanization is not uncommon.

Rational, calm dialogue is possible even in the most diverse communities. Beauty emerges through collaboration, while division slowly but surely destroys us – and the planet we live on. That’s why the outcomes of international exchanges like this are so essential. What happens during the process feels like it’s from another dimension. But it’s crucial to remember that it is just as much a part of reality as our everyday lives. When we return to our jobs, studies, and daily responsibilities, we carry with us what we’ve gained in these exchanges.

In Abbiategrasso, we spoke with local residents about human rights, created forum theatre to illustrate situations where they are violated, and recorded an informative video to spread awareness. Upon returning to our homes around the world, we’ll introduce these topics to friends, colleagues, and even to strangers. We’ll act more often to spread awareness.

More importantly, this experience rooted in us a sense of tangible impact. Reacting to situations where we see human rights being violated is vital. If fear or hesitation once held me back, like an invisible chain preventing me from acting, that chain has now been broken.

We can change the world if we do it together. It starts with ourselves. Then, we meet people – one person at a time. And it doesn’t stop there. They continue what we’ve shared, just as we perpetuate what we’ve learned. The scale of the impact is vast, even if it doesn’t seem so at first glance. But you can feel it – and that’s what matters most.