Back to All Events

Conversations from Calais

  • Books and Company 1 Sofievej Hellerup, 2900 Denmark (map)

EVENT COST: 50, DKK-

CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT

We are so thrilled to welcome designer and editor, Mathilda Della Torre, architect and activist Haya Termanini, and public speaker Noura Bittar Søborg for an evening on the importance of re-humanizing refugee stories, the power of storytelling, and the current situation for refugees and asylum seekers.

Conversations From Calais is a global art movement that captures moments between volunteers and refugees in Calais in poster form. Sharing them with the world by pasting them on city walls. These posters amplify marginalized voices and bear witness to those who are often ignored. Now these posters can also be seen in the book Conversations from Calais edited by Mathilda.

About the Speakers

Mathilda Della Torre

Mathilda is a designer whose work focuses on co-designing projects and campaigns with local communities. She is interested in creating ways to transition to a sustainable, fair, and joyful society. With a background in the charity sector led her to create the global art movement ‘Conversations From Calais' and to publish her first book 'Conversations From Calais: Sharing Refugee Stories’

Haya Termanini

Architect, Activist, and Storyteller Haya Termanini is a Syrian architect whose journey as an asylum seeker led her to Denmark in 2015. Beyond her role as an architect in an international architectural office, she passionately advocates for refugees and women's rights in collaboration with NGOs such as DRC, DFUN and MS. Haya's mission is to raise awareness about refugees' rights in Denmark. Harnessing the power of podcasts, filmmaking, event planning, art projects, and storytelling, she brings these vital issues to the forefront. At the heart of Haya's activism lies a profound belief in the strength of human connection and empathy. Through her storytelling, she fosters a deep understanding of the experiences and struggles faced by refugees and marginalized communities.

Noura Bittar Søborg

Noura, a TEDx Speaker, advocate, and project manager, fled war-torn Syria and settled in Denmark in 2012. She holds dual degrees in political sciences, diplomacy, international studies, and social entrepreneurship & management. Noura's passion for human rights is expressed through her writing, with numerous articles published in Arabic, English, and Danish newspapers. She has served as a project coordinator and event manager for organizations such as Amnesty International, One Billion Denmark, EMISSA, Rapolitcs, and Danish Refugee Council Rising, where she was a spokesperson. Noura co-initiated and led One Billion Rising Denmark, raising awareness about gender-based violence and women's rights. Her collaboration with Amnesty International and the Danish Parliament contributed to the passage of the consent law in Denmark in 2020.

Salah Zada

I’m Salah Zada, a Kurdish-Syrian refugee who came to Denmark in 2015. My life journey revolves around education, helping others, and standing up for refugee rights. 

Right now, I’m working towards becoming a teacher. I want to inspire and educate young minds. But I don’t stop there. I’ve always had a passion for making things better, especially for refugees like me. 

As the Chairperson of DFUNK, the Danish Youth Refugee Council, I lead efforts to support young refugees in Denmark. This role means a lot to me; it shows my deep commitment to making sure they have the rights and help they need. 

Last year, I started a podcast. I talked about the challenges that Syrian refugees face in Denmark. Through my podcast, I shared the ups and downs of living here with temporary residency and all the unknowns that come with it. 

My work stands as a testament to my enduring compassion, resilience, and unwavering determination to foster a more inclusive and equitable society for refugees in Denmark.

Later Event: 4 October
Writing Workshop: Memoir