As a follow up to the Caritas Europa Innovation Festival in February 2023 (CEIF 2023), a “deep dive” gathering was organised in Valencia to take a closer look at some of the projects which were presented.

Andreas Knogler and I represented our team and had the chance to present and discuss our project “Inclusive Editorial Team”, a programme aimed at giving people with disabilities the tools and support to write their own stories. (You can read more about our project in the CEIF 2023 catalogue).

From the moment we arrived the group was welcoming, and we felt very comfortable. Being around a collection of such passionate, inspiring individuals was already worth the trip!

The sessions allowed us to discuss the ins-and-outs of our project and offer input to the others. We shared and learned and great deal of helpful insights and ideas with the group. The feedback received on “Inclusive Editorial Team” gave us a renewed energy to take back with us to Linz.

We heard from the other projects and the whole group was always very appreciative, inspiring and in good humour throughout the meeting.

As part of our trip, we decided to ask some of the participants what they found most inspiring during the meeting and what they would take home from the meeting. Here is a small taste of what they said:

Carmen (Task Force member, Caritas Madrid) was most impressed by the opportunity to share with people: our learning, our experiences and the connection with each other. We are a strong network. Carmen will take home a lot of motivation, new ideas and insights to start new projects, new processes and innovations.

Juan (Caritas Getafe) told us: “I work in the communications department. I was very impressed by your project and the Ukrainian project, which is very innovative in a difficult situation. And your project is hope. In October we have the homeless campaign, and I will present your project as a good example of an inclusive approach. Your project has inspired me a lot.”  Juan takes home the message of “giving a voice to the people we work with.”

Jana (member of the Task Force, Caritas Slovakia) was especially taken by the passion of all the people she met in the projects, the energy they brought and the inspiration, “I realised the power of Caritas, we are such a strong network, passionate people, we dedicate our lives to helping others. I am really proud to be a part of Caritas.”

Regina from Lithuania, who presented the project “Community Bridges”, was particularly impressed by the meeting with Caritas staff from different countries and the feeling of being part of a big Caritas family. Regina will head home with a renewed inspiration because, “I met people inspiring people and hear about wonderful projects. You gave me new ideas!”

For Mark (Task Force member, Caritas Scotland) it was a privilege to meet everyone here with their passion, ambition and creativity. Hearing about the projects was a highlight, and a great opportunity for learning and exchange. Mark leaves empowered and inspired. He will share his experiences with his colleagues in Scotland.

These interviews also reflect our own feelings about the gathering. We are part of something bigger and together we can be changemakers. We will keep moving forward, staying courageous and innovative, together as the Inclusive Editorial Team and as Caritas Europa.

The next Caritas Europa Innovation Festival will take place on 2 February 2024! More information can be found here.

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