Join an online storytelling workshop facilitated by artist and educator Alicja Rogalska exploring migrant experiences of navigating information gaps, bureaucracy and language barriers in the UK.
Many migrants and displaced people arrive with valuable skills, qualifications and experience, yet often find themselves trying to navigate unfamiliar systems with limited guidance or support. Understanding how education systems work, accessing accreditation processes, searching for employment, completing official paperwork or understanding eligibility requirements can be confusing, time-consuming and overwhelming, particularly when information is fragmented, inaccessible or only available in English.
This workshop creates a supportive space to reflect on these experiences and share stories that are often overlooked. Through guided writing exercises and group conversation, participants will explore the challenges of finding information, understanding bureaucratic processes and navigating institutions while building a new life in the UK.
Together, we will examine themes such as language barriers, professional accreditation, recognition of overseas qualifications, accessing education and training opportunities, job searching, navigating public services, and the emotional impact of uncertainty and misinformation. We will reflect on moments of confusion, frustration and exclusion, as well as the resourcefulness and determination many migrants draw upon to overcome these challenges.
Alongside these experiences, the workshop will highlight the informal networks, community knowledge and acts of mutual support that help people navigate complex systems. Participants will be invited to share stories of learning, adaptation and solidarity, exploring how information is exchanged and how communities create their own pathways through systems that can often feel difficult to access.
No previous writing experience is needed. This is a relaxed and welcoming space for reflection, creativity and shared discussion.
About the facilitator
Alicja Rogalska is an artist based in Berlin and London. Her research-led practice explores social structures and the political dimensions of everyday life through collaborative situations, performances, videos and installations that collectively imagine emancipatory futures. She has recently presented work at Zachęta National Art Gallery (Warsaw), n.b.k. (Berlin), Biennale Matter of Art (Prague), Videobrasil (São Paulo) and Manifesta 14 (Prishtina), among others. She is currently completing a PhD in the Art Department at Goldsmiths University of London.
Important information
This workshop is part of the Economic Justice project and the wider work of CEEus! Network — a growing network of migrants, community organisers, artists, professionals and activists strengthening migrant voices, leadership and collective action in the UK.
The workshop forms part of a wider series exploring migrant experiences of work, skills, labour precarity, economic exclusion and career progression in the UK.
Stories, reflections and quotes shared during the workshop may be used in anonymised form in a future exhibition, report or creative outputs as part of this project. Contributions will not be attributed to individuals, so please only share what you feel comfortable sharing in a group setting.
If you would like to connect with other migrants, migrant leaders, creatives, organisers and community members, find out more about our wider work, or become part of the network, you can learn more about CEEus! Migrant Network and join here: https://bit.ly/3hFwFwa
Project funded by Barrow Cadbury Trust.
If you have any questions please contact us on community@centrala-space.org.uk.