We aimed to explore the potential of storytelling to empower marginalised groups and individuals and develop a comprehensive, easy-to-use method for educators, delivered through a user-friendly online Toolkit. Our goal was to directly support educators working with marginalised adults and, through the developed tools, promote inclusion and diversity in education. We aimed at contributing to the inclusion, empowerment, and social engagement of marginalised adults—especially third-country nationals, individuals needing basic skills education, and young adults not in education, employment, or training—by providing storytelling-based education tools and methods presented in the Needs Assessment report and the Toolkit website. We aimed at strengthening the partnership and building a network of stakeholders (educators, experts, and community leaders in Poland and Iceland) to support the development and to ensure longevity of the project results.
The project idea arose from urgent needs identified by partners from Iceland and Poland through their work with vulnerable communities, including immigrants and elderly citizens. We observed significant gaps in educational methods for adult educators working with marginalised groups—especially the absence of a comprehensive approach requiring no special resources or skills, yet encouraging meaningful knowledge-sharing and supporting social engagement and mutual understanding. Storytelling emerged as an ideal tool, but there was a clear need to develop a structured method offering educators a solid theoretical foundation, clear teaching strategies, engaging and accessible learning activities, and free, easily adaptable materials. Guided by the principle that "everyone has a story," the StorySharing method focuses on personal narratives, with strong attention to ethics, learner motivation, and fostering a safe, supportive environment. The project addresses the needs of marginalised adults by providing accessible, empowering tools to enhance well-being, communication, employability, and social participation, while equipping educators with practical, adaptable methods to better support these groups.