A Vision for Inclusivity and Change

PRΕSS RELEASE No 1 – 31-03.2025

SONDER – A Vision for Inclusivity and Change

The European Union-funded project SONDER: Each Life is as Vivid and

Complex as Any Other has been officially launched as part of the CERV-2024-

CITIZENS-REM-HISTMIGRATION initiative. SONDER responds to the urgent need

to confront racism, xenophobia, and discrimination, particularly within the

context of Europe's historical and ongoing challenges with migration,

colonialism, and imperialism.

Taking inspiration from the concept of "sonder"

—the realization that every

person leads a life as rich and complex as our own—this project aims to

highlight the lived experiences of those affected by racial discrimination,

fostering a deeper societal understanding and empathy. The initiative seeks

to challenge the so-called "colorblind" approach to race, which often

dismisses the realities faced by people of color, including African migrants,

and instead promotes a shift toward "Color Consciousness." Recognizing the

role of race in social experiences is a crucial step in combating discrimination

and fostering inclusion.

SONDER has received an outstanding 97.5 out of 100 evaluation score under

the European Remembrance program of the Citizens, Equality, Rights and

Values (CERV) Programme. It is aligned with Priority 3: Migration, De-

colonization, and Multicultural European Societies and will be implemented

over 24 months (April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2027).

Over the course of two years, SONDER will implement a series of impactful

activities aimed at raising awareness and fostering intercultural dialogue,

including in-depth interviews documenting the stories and experiences of

African migrant women in Europe, bringing visibility to their challenges and

contributions.

The project will also incorporate creative storytelling and visual arts,

developing comics, drawing, painting, sculpture, engraving, photography,

video, filmmaking, to make these narratives more accessible to Europeanaudiences. Workshops and educational materials will be developed to

engage educators, students, artists, and policymakers in discussions about

racial discrimination, aiming to create a more inclusive and multicultural

mindset within society.

The SONDER project brings together a dynamic partnership of organizations

dedicated to social inclusion and empowerment. EKE (Greek Kenyan

Chamber of Commerce) is active in economic, cultural, social, educational

and scientific fields and serves as the project coordinator. ComMedi

(Communities of Mediterranean) – Greece is a social enterprise committed to

youth empowerment, cultural exchange, and civil society development.

CESIE – Italy is a non-profit organization focusing on education and

community engagement, inspired by the work of sociologist Danilo Dolci.

European Network of Women of African Descent (ENWAD) – Spain is a

grassroots network advocating for civil rights, gender equality, and the

empowerment of women and youth from minority backgrounds. A.B. Institute

of Entrepreneurship Development Ltd. – Cyprus is an organization dedicated

to innovation, digital skills development, and entrepreneurship training.

SONDER represents a critical step in dismantling systemic racism and fostering

a more inclusive European society. By amplifying marginalized voices and

promoting empathy-driven dialogue, the project not only addresses

immediate discriminatory challenges but also works toward long-term social

change. Through storytelling, education, and community engagement,

SONDER aspires to inspire transformation, celebrate diversity, and ensure that

every individual’s story is seen, heard, and valued.

“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of

the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the

granting authority European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither

the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”