Much like the way small pieces of a puzzle fit together to illuminate the bigger picture, we believe there is power in each person’s story coming together to create a beautiful image. We work to find contextual and durable solutions to tackle the root causes of some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as regional conflicts, geopolitical tensions, unemployment, climate change and social inequality. People Beyond Borders is a bridge, co-creating safe spaces and opportunities for displaced communities and refugees to connect with each other, build on their resources and support systems.
Displaced people and refugees are often not included “in” developing humanitarian and peacebuilding programs planned “for” them. We believe that those closest to the grassroot issues are best equipped to catalyze change. Our programs are designed, implemented and evaluated by those who live it!
They are most aware of their own needs, adaptive capacities, culturally-appropriate benchmarks, limitations and power dynamics in their communities. Together we develop and build diverse tools, resources and frameworks to foster local agency, accountability, community ownership and social cohesion through diverse initiatives and programs.
We facilitate a strong foundation to provide safe spaces and enhance well-being through the practice of creative techniques and expressive arts. This encompasses all art forms including visual, theatre, music, movement, photography, creative writing, cooking and nature-based art therapy.
There is growing evidence from the World Health Organization (WHO) on how “Art Wellness” has moved from the sidelines to center-stage offering a powerful prescription, which brings culture and social sectors together to enhance health. We believe that creativity sparks honest conversations and insights not only among people but also within ourselves. In a shared artistic space for playfulness and trust, we unravel multilayered stories, meaningful connections and personal growth.
Our work is guided by the model of Participatory Action Research (PAR) – meaning our action plans are based on lived experiences of the displaced people with whom we partner. Research is dynamic rather than static, in which all stakeholders engage as co-researchers constantly renewing and transforming their own space by bringing knowledge to life.
PAR emphasizes that “knowledge are plural”, which challenges assumptions about displacement and refugee homogeneity embedded in conventional studies. Research demonstrates that the displaced are internally diverse and there are power dynamics that influence their intra-social cohesion. We develop initiatives to channel this plurality and encourage diverse voices in innovative ways.
