Over and Out: Ukraine
By Open Cultural Center, Louie Media, Croix – Rouge Française
This podcast aimed to foster more nuanced conversations about migration by inviting displaced people living in Greece, France, and Spain to share their diverse stories and perspectives.
Episode 1 – John
John is a refugee from the Nea Kavala Greek camp in Polykastro. Originally from India, he was quick to sign up to the Open Cultural Centre (OCC) English courses when he arrived. And he liked it so much that he became a loyal volunteer! Today, he in turn offers fun activities to the association’s refugee children, the Falafels kids. In addition to this commitment, he works for a car cleaning company. In this episode, John tells us about his passion for teaching, his life at the camp, and the problems that arise when a migrant arrives in a foreign country where everything is unfamiliar.
Episode 2 – Afraa
Born in Syria and of Palestinian origin, Afraa is stateless. She arrived in France in 2017 as a political refugee, and is studying architecture. A top-level sportswoman, she is developing a particular interest in climbing alongside her studies, a discipline in which she would like to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games as a member of the refugee team. Full of life and ambition, Afraa recounts her academic and sporting career, but also her journey as a young stateless woman, a little-known status that’s not so easy to live with.
Episode 3 – Gabriel
In 2021, Gabriel leaves Venezuela with his mother to join family in Barcelona. He was leaving behind part of his life, but also a job he was passionate about: teaching chemistry. Thanks to the Open Cultural Centre (OCC), he has found a way to teach, and has also been able to learn computer skills. As well as teaching Spanish, Gabriel works for a T-shirt company. In this episode, he talks to us about the situation in Venezuela and his arrival in Spain, as well as his day-to-day life and his plans.
Episode 4 – Kevin
Originally from Burundi, Kevin had to flee his country for security reasons. In 2019, he arrived in France with the ambition of completing his law studies. Warm-hearted and altruistic by nature, he quickly wanted to get involved in helping others, particularly through the Red Cross. Today, he helps out in many ways, from giving training courses to setting up projects such as L’Oasis, a reception centre for asylum seekers. In this episode, Kevin tells us his story, his concerns and his plans. He confides in us a part of his private life, and at the same time deconstructs preconceived ideas about migration.
Episode 5 – Pragati
Originally from Nepal, Pragati arrived in Spain in 2017 with her husband and daughter, following a medical problem that could not be resolved in her country. Although she trained as a lawyer, Pragati could no longer practise her profession. So she decided to work as a cleaning lady. Very attached to her origins, Pragati is also president of the Society of Nepali People, with which she organises events to keep her culture alive in Spain. This episode tells the story of a woman who has learned to love a country other than her own, and to integrate fully.
Episode 6 – Mariame
A year ago, Mariame left Guinea Conakry for Greece following a forced marriage. In transit in the Nea Kavala camp, she is waiting to join her sister in France. Injured in the arm by her former husband, she cannot work and struggles to look after herself. While there, she met a community of Guineans with whom she spent most of her time. She also goes to the Open Cultural Centre (OCC), where she takes English and French lessons. Mariame talks to us about the difficulties of her arrival, her painful history, but also about her passions: dance and film.
Over and Out: Ukraine
By Open Cultural Center
This podcast discusses stories from Ukraine looking at various aspects of the conflict, and the stories of those who have been affected by it.
Episode 1 – The emergency response in Spain & Greece
This first episode focuses on the emergency response in Spain & Greece following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in Feburary 2022. This episode features the voice of Montserrat Rovira who is the Head of the Department of Emergency Services and Social Emergencies at the Ajuntament de Barcelona, and Panagiotis Moisidis who is the EU Projects Manager at OCC Greece. The program is presented by Thomas Leroux from the OCC’s communication team.
Episode 2 – In conversation with Mariana Helysh
In the second instalment of our series focusing on Ukraine, our host Tom has a conversation with Mariana Helysh, a young Ukrainian graduate in international relations now based in Barcelona. Together they discuss the importance of journalism in the context of war, the cultural revival taking place in Ukraine, Mariana’s experience of living in Spain and finally her perspective on the future of the country and its young people.
The OCC Podcast
By Belén Sánchez Bermúdez, for OCC
This podcast aims to humanise and give voice to the thousands of people fleeing war and seeking a future in Europe. It focuses on the stories of two Afghan refugee women in Greece. It is produced by journalist Belén Sánchez Bermúdez for Open Cultural Center.
Episode 1 – Hope
The young Afghan protagonists of this podcast, Duniya and Arezo, tell their arrival by boat in Greece and the hell they experienced in the Moria refugee camp. They also share their feelings towards Greek society.
Episode 2 – Wait
Duniya and Arezo explain the complexity of the asylum application in Greece, and their experience as volunteers at OCC. They talk about their future as refugee women and call for dignified treatment.
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