From November 14 to 16, participants of the “Addressing the Impact and Trauma of Migration” workshop gathered in Klaipėda, Lithuania, to explore the lived experience of migration, its possible effects, and approaches to strengthening personal resilience.
Anna Dovbyk, facilitator and co-coordinator of the NGO “Dialogue in Action,” together with Naomi Enns, Director of the Center for Dialogue and Conflict Transformation at LCC International University, worked with students and university staff on a topic that is deeply personal for many – migration in its various dimensions.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in non-formal education activities and featured components such as sharing personal stories, taking part in listening circles, singing together, and practicing reflection exercises (including, notably, those used to examine “acting-in” and “acting-out” cycles of trauma and strategies for breaking free). Storytelling and compassionate listening held a special place among the methods, serving as pathways to deeper self-understanding and recognizing the strength behind each person’s narrative.
Each day concluded with a peacebuilding listening circle – an immersive dialogue practice that fosters a sense of safety and mutual support. In this space, participants shared their strategies for navigating challenging times and the resources that help them remain grounded.
Anna Dovbyk highlights the importance of such events for educational settings: they create a safe environment to explore difficult topics, understand personal experiences more deeply, and discover new resources for resilience. These transformative practices influence not only individual well-being but also the overall health of the university community.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Naomi Enns and the Center for Dialogue and Conflict Transformation at LCC International University for their openness to collaboration, and to all participants for their active engagement and willingness to create a space of open interaction and support!
