“Stories Against Silence” Manual Published – Literature as a Bridge to Understanding, Change, and Reconciliation

We are delighted to present the new digital interactive manual “Stories Against Silence”, developed within the project Literature as a Bridge: Empowering Youth Workers for Reconciliation, Conflict Prevention, and Promotion of EU Values. This manual offers a fresh and inspiring approach to youth work—using literature and storytelling as tools for building peace, empathy, and intercultural dialogue.

The manual is the result of collaboration between Grupa “Hajde da…” and its regional partners—Association “Prijateljice”, “Centar za mir Osijek”, and the Public Institute “Mladi zmaji”. It is also one of the outcomes of the long-standing program “The Book Makes It Visible” (“Delo na videlo”), which, through various initiatives, creates space for dialogue on important social issues.

Starting from a simple yet powerful idea—that literature encourages young people to reflect on and share their personal experiences—“Stories Against Silence” connects literary analysis with youth empowerment. It is intended for youth workers, trainers, and young people, especially those working with or belonging to marginalized groups.

Rather than offering fixed solutions, this manual provides guidelines, inspiration, and practical methods for designing workshops that open space for dialogue on topics such as peace, conflict, identity, and social inequalities. It highlights ways to give participants the opportunity to experience the world through another person’s perspective—through prose and poetry—activating imagination, empathy, and the capacity to walk in someone else’s shoes.

“Stories Against Silence” is a valuable resource for all who believe that words have the power to connect people, foster understanding, and inspire change. We invite you to explore it, use it in your work, and join us in continuing to build spaces of dialogue, trust, and solidarity.

The manual is available in digital format and open to everyone who wishes to use the power of literature in their work with young people.

Illustration: Milica Ponjavić, Marko Pejović, Sara Lucu, Vlasta Marković