A Taste of Home and Community: "A Million Voices" Cultural Dinner in Giessen

On Thursday, November 13th, 2025, Gießen, Germany, was the host for a community event as part of the "A Million Voices" project, supported by the European Social Fund, and organized by our project manager Sofia Borodienko.

This project's core mission is critical: to boost the mental health and social integration of Ukrainian refugees in the EU through innovative art and narrative therapy, fostering social cohesion across Europe.

The event itself was a celebration of community, culture, and cuisine, bringing together over 11 country teams for an unforgettable cross-cultural exchange.

The atmosphere was warm, lively, and highly interactive. Each country team proudly represented their homeland, transforming the venue into a tapestry of global traditions:

• Authentic Cuisine: Participants explored the diverse food tables, interacting with the teams and sampling as much authentic, home-prepared food as they wished.

  
  

• Sharing Cultures: The event was marked by strong engagement, spontaneous cultural exchange, and interactive dance activities that added energy and fun, helping people connect far beyond simple conversation.

The success of this event underscored just how highly valued and important cultural exchange activities are to our participants.

More Than Just Food: Amplifying Ukrainian Voices

While the event was a celebration of many cultures, it also created a profoundly important, meaningful space for Ukrainian voices and stories to be shared.

The Ukrainian team did more than just present their national cuisine. They openly shared about:

• Life in Ukraine Today: Offering insights into the current reality and the challenges they face back home.

  
  

• Cherished Traditions: Discussing the traditions and cultural elements that remain vital, especially when living abroad.

  
  

• The Meaning of Connection: Explaining what it means to stay connected to their homeland while building a life in a new country.

  
  

For many Ukrainian participants, gatherings like this are essential moments of feeling seen, included, and understood. 

When people from different backgrounds try Ukrainian food, ask questions, and show genuine interest, it powerfully builds a sense of support and belonging. This simple social connection is incredibly important for emotional well-being and integration.

The event demonstrated how sharing food and personal narratives can bring people closer, help them cope with stress, and make the challenging process of integrating into a new environment easier.

It is a powerful reminder that even small community events can have a truly positive impact on people who have had to leave their home country during difficult times.