This week at Migrants Organise continued the vibrant energy of the Resilience Festival—an initiative rooted in joy, community-building, and healing. I joined more activities and had the chance to connect with even more members, each encounter offering a glimpse into resilience shaped by movement, laughter, and shared spaces.
One of the highlights was a dance class that offered more than just rhythm and coordination—it provided a space for release. For many members, especially those navigating the asylum system, dancing can be an act of agency. It’s a reminder that despite external constraints, they still hold power and autonomy over their bodies. The class fostered moments of lightness and self-expression, encouraging members to reconnect with themselves in a way that felt both restorative and liberating.
Later in the week, I joined a football session—something familiar, spirited, and deeply communal. Football, especially in the UK, carries its own cultural weight: it sparks joy, camaraderie, and a dash of playful rivalry. Inspired by this, I proposed a simple reel concept to document the game, centering around the question: “Which team do you support?” In asking this, we hoped to shift the focus from labels like “refugee” or “migrant” to identities rooted in connection and fandom. Team allegiances became conversation starters and expressions of individuality. And most importantly, they fostered bonds—whether over shared support or good-natured competition.
To accompany the reel, I also began working on a photo-essay capturing moments from the game: the movement, the smiles, the charm of the sport in motion. It was about more than football—it was about belonging and joy, crystallized in candid moments.
Beyond the creative work, I’ve continued supporting caseworkers through translation—something that offers me a deeper lens into the structural challenges asylum seekers face. From housing issues to complex bureaucratic hurdles, I’ve learned more about how advocacy is carried out on the ground, and how organisations like Migrants Organise work tirelessly to help members navigate these systems with dignity.
Each day here is a new opportunity to witness resilience—not just as a festival theme, but as a living, breathing practice.
I’m an International History major at Georgetown University in Qatar, also pursuing a certificate in Media and Politics. My academic focus lies in understanding the post-Arab Spring Middle East through qualitative research—examining revolutions, civil wars, and Islamist movements to uncover the human stories behind these events.
I’m especially drawn to the intersection of academia, art, and journalism. I recently worked on a creative media project documenting the making of a Sudanese feature film during the ongoing conflict in Egypt, and I’ve explored the political culture of Syrian diaspora youth and the voices of Gazan evacuees in Qatar.
This summer, I’m interning with Migrants Organise in London, supporting grassroots advocacy, community organizing, and storytelling projects with migrants and refugees. Across all my work, I aim to tell stories with empathy and depth—highlighting resilience, dignity, and the power of collective action.
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