Invisible Stories

Invisible Stories is an international program by the School with Class Foundation that offers an innovative way to teach about migration in geography, history, social studies, and homeroom lessons using digital tools, storytelling, and games to create engaging educational experiences. The project is being implemented from 2023 to 2025 by organizations from three partner countries: Smile Mundo from Spain, King Baudouin Foundation from Belgium, and the School with Class Foundation.

The Invisible Stories (INVIST) Project aims to support history, geography, citizenship and social science teachers in delivering engaging and insightful lessons on contemporary migration in Europe and European identity. It addresses the need to equip educators with the knowledge and competencies necessary to teach about these themes. The primary objective of INVIST is to explore if it is possible to offer a single narrative for Polish, Spanish and Belgian teachers or to use a common approach focused on invisible stories to put the phenomenon of migration into perspective.

By focusing on the experiences of migrants—groups often underrepresented in traditional education—the project seeks to provide a fresh and transnational perspective on migration and European identity. This approach also aims to cultivate a common understanding of what it means to be European, enhancing the sense of identity among future European citizens.

Invisible Stories research paper 2024

The report reflects the research carried out in the first stages of the project. This research conducted serves as a common basis from which the development of actual educational tools can start. The partners participating in the Invisible Stories (INVIST) Project have developed a nuanced understanding of contemporary migration, European identity and the educational needs surrounding these issues. This has been done through comprehensive research and collaboration with educators, academics, and experts. The project’s findings underscore the importance of presenting a balanced view of migration, one that includes both positive and negative aspects, and encourages critical thinking among students. The recommendations for adaptable educational tools and diverse teaching approaches underline the need for dismantling prejudices, challenging existing beliefs and promoting a better understanding of the issues at hand. In all this, invisible stories seem an essential asset for fostering a fresh and more comprehensive view on migration and European identity among teachers and their pupils.

Check the report: "Invisible Stories: How Common Narratives on Current European Migrations are Created"

The research report presents the findings from studies conducted by partners during the initial stages of the project. This serves as a potential starting point for the development of educational tools. The report includes research results on: narratives about migration and European identity used in the media, particularly on social media; school curricula; and teachers’ experiences. The research partners of the „Invisible Stories” program also conducted interviews with a wide range of experts to gain a deeper understanding of the topics discussed.

The Invisible Stories program is run by the School with Class Foundation in cooperation with Asociación Smilemundo and the King Baudouin Foundation, with funding from the European Commission through the Erasmus+ program.