Crossing Borders

Most internationals in Denmark surely know of his journalistic work through ‘Last Week in Denmark.’ Since 2021, Narcis Matache and his team have aimed at empowering people of all backgrounds by informing them about both Danish and EU political and socioeconomic happenings. However, this is only one of Mr. Matache’s activities. Looking forward to preparing society for future challenges, he is also an entrepreneur devoted to making entrepreneurship accessible for internationals via Aalborg Institute for Development and a civil society activist via AMIS. On the 22nd of February, we had the chance to meet this engaged person up close on the occasion of Food for Thought organized by Crossing Borders. After Garba Diallo stressed the importance of storytelling for human beings, Narcis Matache opened up and shared stories from his early young age when he came from Romania to Denmark. Even since he was a student, he has been a passionate activist, wanting to make Denmark a more welcoming place for internationals and bring Europe closer. Matache strongly encourages political engagement for all. For example, one of his aims has been to help non-Danish speakers become a part of Danish society. He highlighted the surprise of people when, in 2013, there were announcements for EU citizens in English that they could vote in the local elections. In Denmark, where there are almost one million internationals (almost 300,000 are just non-Danish EU citizens), Narcis shared his vision of building a safe and inclusive place for all ‘People of Denmark’ instead of just ‘Danish’ people, as he prefers to call them. On the occasion of the topic of the evening, the diversity of people was noticeable too. In the hospitable space of the Union in Norrebro, we had the chance to savor a delicious meal prepared by ‘Send Frere Krydderier’ (Send More Spices, in English), the multinational social kitchen at the Union. By candlelight, we enjoyed a drink, getting to know people of all backgrounds, sharing ideas, and networking in a way that could make it possible to actually build relationships. It was a beautiful evening, an unforgettable intimate experience. Looking forward to the next Food for Thought event! Written By: Angeliki Alexopoulou

Israel’s Western allies, including Denmark, continue to support the genocide in Gaza behind the narrative of defence against terrorism. The alarm bells are ringing louder and louder over the Western allies as the death toll of Palestinians reaches unprecedented levels and the catastrophic conditions, including a severe desperation for food and water face those still alive after 132 days. If we still want confidence in a world order based on universal human rights and our common humanity, Western leaders must find their moral compass now – and face the truth about the genocide in Gaza. More than 28,000 Palestinian lives have been lost during Israel’s 132-day cold-blooded massacre in Gaza. 70% are women and children. Every 11 minutes a Palestinian child is brutally killed and every hour two mothers are killed. 1,9 million are internally displaced and in severe need of humanitarian assistance, which the UN’s United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees, UNRWA heroically struggles to provide. Despite international law, hospitals, UN schools and refugee camps, religious places continue to be attacked. Journalists continue to be targeted and killed as they bravely fight to get glimpses of the heart-wrenching atrocities out to the eyes of the world. Around 75% of all journalists killed in war zones in 2023, lost their lives in the war on Gaza. In sum, drawing up a clear case of systematic genocide while the UN alongside other international institutions and people in the streets across the world everywhere continue to call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire. Complicit in the crimes in Gaza Israel’s Western allies, including the Danish government, have been disturbingly silent and complicit in the crimes in Gaza and are contributing to the epidemic of impunity unfolding globally as they fail to keep Israel accountable. We are currently witnessing a moral collapse in the West, where Israeli allies are paving the path for a breakdown in the values and norms that bind us together as a global community – not seen since World War II. Several Western countries led by the US are taking even more extreme measures by defunding UNRWA, turning humanitarian assistance into a weapon of war based on unproven allegations against 12 individual employees of UNRWA out of some 30.000. This brings the world to a sharp moral crossroads: how can we sustain a global community with confidence in universal human rights in the face of the horrors unleashed on Gaza? The world position on Gaza will set the direction for much more than the future of Palestinians and Israelis. It will become a moral compass for the future of the entire world. Consequently, the West is losing its credibility with the global south and with their own populations who day in and day out continue to witness “hell on earth” in Gaza. Mogens Lykketoft writes in Jyllands-Posten 13 December 2023 “in the global south, the West’s failure to distance itself from Netanyahu’s war policy is seen as an expression of cynical double standards about human rights. The war creates the risk of more unrest throughout the region and the world. There is a fear of terrorism in Europe. There is a risk that nationalist, xenophobic and semi-authoritarian movements can break down unity in the climate fight and in the war against Russia”. Truths to offer direction for a new Western course of action Israel’s Western allies, including the Danish government urgently ought to face a series of truths about Israel and the current escalation of the conflict, placing it at the scale of genocide. The only way to peace is through a new course of action by Western leaders anchored in truth. One truth is that Israel’s occupation of Palestine the past 75 years is the root of the conflict. The report “Israel’s Apartheid Against Palestinians” in February 2022 by Amnesty International referred to the fact that the occupation actually is illegal according to the international conventions reported by the UN’s independent international commission of inquiry. Hence, it is not only a lasting ceasefire that is needed right now, the systematic oppression, discrimination and violations of the freedom and human rights of the Palestinian people need to end for peace to become possible. A second truth is that when people live under occupation as in the case of the Palestinians, they have a right to defend themselves under international law, just as an occupying power has an obligation to protect people under its control. Yet the Palestinians in Gaza continue to be dehumanized and starved by the Israeli Government through denial of water, food, health care, electricity, shelter and human dignity at all levels. Thirdly, it is vital to remember that a deep pain exists across generations among both Israelis and Palestinians. The pain, anger and hatred that naturally arises from being oppressed, possessed, excluded, displaced and unjustly deprived of human dignity and basic human rights. A feeling the Palestinians have lived with since 1948. On the Israeli side, people are born into an “us or them” narrative, brainwashed to see Palestinians as less human and some are fueled with fear to kill, control, oppress and discriminate against Palestinians. It is clear that Israel’s response to the 7 October attack and the unconditional support of its Western allies has not served the welfare of the Israeli people nor the peace process – it has only escalated the pain and created higher walls and more monsters. Western leaders lack moral global responsibility A fourth truth is that while the UN Chief continues to loudly call for a return to our common humanity, the position on Gaza by Western leaders continues to fuel polarization across societies. When pro-Palestinians are called anti-Semites, and when calling for a lasting ceasefire and the rights of Palestinians, make us advocates of terrorism and against Jews. When the many legal demonstrations all over the world are being labeled divisive rather than the civic human rights activism that is currently bringing millions of people from Copenhagen to Johannesburg, from Brasilia to Kuala Lumpur to Sydney on

On a dark chilly evening in January, the warmth of community spirit and shared story telling gathered us together for our first Food for Thought of 2024. Held on January 25th, this event was an intimate experience, where candles flickered on long communal tables, setting a space for an evening of sharing both captivating stories and a delicious meal. It was an event full of ideas, conversation, and lively dialogue.   Our guest, Lise Walbom, CEO of Food Nation, presented us with her life story that was deeply connected with her insights on the connection between our food systems and the future of our planet. Her core message that, “Food has a crucial role to play in a secure world,” resonated deeply in the room, echoing the collective realization of food’s pivotal role in the sustainability of the planet.  From Strawberries to Sustainability  Lise’s journey in the realm of sustainable food practices began while picking strawberries in the western part of Zealand in Denmark. These early experiences sowed the seeds for her future in organic farming and her pursuit of a degree in agronomy at the university.   Lise shared her admiration for Gro Harlem Brundtland, the first female Norwegian Prime Minister and a pioneer in sustainability. Brundtland’s work, especially that contained in the book “Our Common Future,” published during Lise’s first year of high school, served as a guiding light throughout her career.  Creating Partnerships for a Path Forward    Her path led her to occupying public roles, including working in the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, focusing on organic farming. Eventually, her journey culminated in her becoming the CEO of Food Nation in 2017. Lise described Food Nation as a “dating platform for people within the food industry who would like new contacts,” a testament to her innovative approach to fostering global connections. Her work, and the goal of Food Nation, is to share ideas across the public, private and academic sectors throughout the globe. She asserted that though is Denmark is a small country, it is pioneer nation in terms of innovation. This makes the country able to share its knowledge and learning with others by crossing borders. She argues that “Collaboration is the essence of Denmark’s DNA within food and agriculture”, giving the example of how it was one of the first countries to establish farmer cooperatives.  Lise described the endeavors of Food Nation as aligning closely with, and being inspired by, many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She highlighted local initiatives in the food sector and their power to make global impacts. She stressed the importance of engaging consumers in responsible consumption. Her global outreach has been marked by her presence at events like the recent COP 28 in Dubai and Climate Week NYC. These activities reflect Lise’s commitment to sharing knowledge and driving the change we want to see through collaboration.  Coming Together Around a Meal  The evening wasn’t just about words. It was also about action and experience. Following the enlightening discussion, we savored a delightful meal from Send Flere Krydderier (Send More Spices, in English). It is a social kitchen known for sharing the stories of the chefs through the meals they create. The food satiated our appetites and served as a delicious embodiment of Lise’s vision – diversity, sustainability, and deep connections in our global community.  As the candles dimmed and the evening matured, the participants from various backgrounds and worldviews went home with smiles on their faces and hopes in their hearts, with one participant, Italy, stating he was ”inspired to engaged in sustainable farming at a local level” and Julia, from Greece, reflecting that “There’s a different way of understanding the world if you grew up by the land”. Lise Walbom’s journey from a strawberry field to leading a national movement serves as a testament to Lise’s trajectory to fighting for a more sustainable future for all.  Written By: Andrew Gibbons

The past year has been a whirlwind of excitement and growth for Migrantour Copenhagen, marked by new opportunities and unforgettable adventures. One of the most significant highlights has been the establishment of a dynamic collaboration with DIS (Danish Institute for Study Abroad), a renowned non-profit study abroad foundation founded in Denmark in 1959. With locations in Copenhagen and Stockholm, DIS has been providing high-impact learning experiences for upper-division undergraduate students from distinguished North American colleges and universities.  Migrantour Copenhagen, known for its immersive city tours led by Danish migrants, seized the opportunity to collaborate with DIS and enhance the experience for international students arriving in Copenhagen and planning to stay for three months. The partnership has allowed Migrantour to extend its unique tours to DIS students, offering them a firsthand and authentic exploration of the city they will call home for the next three months.  The most recent tour conducted just last week, welcomed 34 international students from various corners of the globe. These eager learners embarked on a journey with Migrantour guides, delving into the heart of Copenhagen’s culture, history, and hidden gems. As the students discovered the city’s rich tapestry, they gained invaluable insights into the local way of life, facilitated by the diverse perspectives of Migrantour guides who have their own unique stories to share.  This collaboration with DIS has not only enriched the experiences of incoming students but has also provided Migrantour Copenhagen with a platform to reach a broader audience. The past year has been a testament to the organization’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and creating meaningful connections between migrants and the global community. As Migrantour Copenhagen continues to evolve and embrace new opportunities, its role as a bridge between cultures in the vibrant city of Copenhagen only becomes more integral and impactful. We are excited for the new year, to see how Migrantour Copenhagen will evolve!

Is your class ready to engage on questions of racism and discrimination?  Then we are waiting for you in Nørrebro for a free 4-day training – full of activities, dialogues, and growth.   Interested? Fill out this form to let us know! Suna, of Perspekt Initiative (Hamburg, Germany) introduces the learning goals for Day 1 The group comes up with a common framework for how to work together and dealing with conflict Participants try to match concepts and definitions surrounding anti-racism and discrimination through debate and consensus Facilitators play the Dice Game, an interactive and fun activity that allows participants to deepen their understanding of institutional and structural discrimination through the migratory context Key Information:  Dates: 4 full days*, between February and April   Location: Union KBH (Crossing Borders Offices), Nørre allé 7, Copenhagen 2200  Participants:  15-30 students, ages 14-20, plus 1 to 2 accompanying teachers   Cost: Complimentary with refreshments – lunch and travel provided by school *Days can be consecutive, or split up over 2 weeks or 1 month    Background of the Training:  The Anti Racism and Civic Courage Training, part of our ACCT Project (acctforchange.eu), is designed to equip students with the knowledge and tools to combat racism and discrimination. It is a robust, four-day program, with the first three days comprised of non-formal education activities(exercises & games) and theoretical inputs and the last day as a practical hands-on visit with local NGO’s and activists that are engaged in this work. This training is meant to enhance the learners’ capabilities in anti-racism and fostering civic courage.  Learning Goals:  Understand the various forms of racism and discrimination.  Challenge stereotypes and biases.  Develop strategies for promoting civic courage.  Equip participants with tools to address racism and discrimination  Gain awareness on local mechanisms for reporting incidents of discrimination in Denmark.  Foster diverse and inclusive learning environments.    Why Participate?  Dialogue-based and hands-on activities   Unique opportunity for your students to engage in critical, real-world topics.  Enhance students’ social awareness and responsibility.  Foster a culture of empathy, respect, and inclusivity within your school community    More questions. Email Andrew Gibbons, Project Coordinator, at andrew.g@crossingborders.dk Meet the Facilitators: Andrew Gibbons Andrew is a facilitator whose work uses non-formal education techniques to encourage meaningful participation for all. His passions lie in youth empowerment, social justice, and the creation of multilingual spaces. Andrew has worked with learners of all ages on projects such as growing nutritious food in urban food deserts, training spoken language interpreters for democratic change, and youth engagement for active citizenship. Maryam Alaouie Maryam is a project coordinator specializing in digital media and communication, manages EU projects and focuses on communication strategies. Passionate about human rights, particularly in the Middle East, she actively engages in politics and social issues. Bikalpa Bibash Basaula Bikalpa is a Master student at Aalborg University specialising in Global Refugee Studies and has a background in Media Studies and International Development & Communication. He has Human Right advocacy experience with “Antenna Foundation Nepal” and “Citizens Campaign for Right To Information” and is passionate about supporting marginalised communities. Through practical work at København Kommune and his education at Aalborg University, he has honed skills in assisting migrants and refugees. Margeret Maged Margaret from Egypt has a dream of making the lives of disadvantaged people better through providing non-formal education, space for creativity, talent development, and dialogue. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and has worked as a project coordinator for a Christian channel called SAT-7 in environmental protection and raising awareness. She is also a board member of a charitable organization called “My Beautiful Country” in Alexandria, which serves underprivileged families displaced from Upper Egypt.

Saturday, the 2nd of December, from 10:00 to 17:00, Crossing Borders gathered 38 Ukrainian youths aged 16-30 from all over Denmark to explore how they could create a meaningful and sustainable community for Ukrainian youth in Denmark. Working in large group dialogue processes, they explored the question ‘What would be a meaningful and sustainable community for you?’ and collaborated on projects, ideas, and initiatives they could undertake together. During the process, they clarified the values, events, and communication channels they wanted the community to be based on. They created five clubs: Sports, Creative Community, Mental Wellbeing, Online Community, and Social Activities, and established a Social Media community for their future work. The youth were very enthusiastic and engaged during the process, and it was clear there was a real need for the event, as one participant shared, ‘This is the first time I have felt at home in Denmark.’ Thank you to our partners from Bevar Ukraine and to Tuborg Fondet and BUPL Solidaritets- og Kulturfond who sponsored the event. The Youth For Ukraine gathering was the first of three initiatives planned by Crossing Borders. The next project is an innovation camp at the Youth Island outside Copenhagen, aimed at developing new solutions to the most pressing issues facing Ukrainian youth in Denmark. The innovation camp is scheduled for March/April 2024. We are following up with a 1½-year capacity-building program focused on the democratic engagement of Ukrainian youth in Danish society. This is the first national initiative that has been taken for Ukrainian youth in Denmark.

On November 16th, Crossing Borders, hosted a special “Food For Thought” event that brought together 40 people from different backgrounds. The event was held in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and it gave participants the opportunity to connect with each other and share their personal stories. It’s a chance to learn from and be inspired by each other’s experiences in a supportive environment, all while enjoying a delicious meal together. The special guest for the November 16th edition was Gavin Harrison, the founder of T.N.G. Projects.  Galvin Harrison, a visionary artist, is transforming young lives in Nørrebro, Copenhagen through a remarkable initiative called T.N.G Projects. T.N.G stands for The Next Generation, and it’s all about inspiring young people to make sculptures that tell their stories. He was born in prison and grew up in a harsh care system.But instead of letting that hold him back, he turned it into something powerful. He used his love for art to help himself and now wants to help others.  Galvin’s message is clear: art can change lives and bring people closer. With his project, he’s giving young people a chance to express themselves and feel proud of who they are.  Driven by a profound understanding of the challenges faced by young people in navigating their identities, Galvin envisioned a project that would not only empower them to embrace their uniqueness but also foster a sense of unity and belonging. T.N.G Projects was born out of this vision, with its sculptures serving as tangible expressions of togetherness and acceptance, transcending the boundaries of age and cultural divides. Galvin believes that art can bridge gaps and help people feel accepted and understood.  During this event, Galvin shared how art changed his life. He talked about making beautiful sculptures and how they bring people together. He showed amazing, sculptures made by youth and kids. Galvin understands the struggles faced by many young people who inherit a mix of cultures. These challenges can create conflicts within them, making it hard to feel like they belong. He believes that by creating a welcoming space where everyone’s story is celebrated, these conflicts can be healed. His dedication to helping young people find their identity despite the challenges they face is commendable. Galvin’s journey teaches us that no matter the obstacles, embracing art and unity can create a better future for everyone.  Galvin’s journey is proof that no matter where you start, you can create something beautiful and inspire others along the way. With art, he’s making a world where everyone’s story counts and where we all understand and support each other.  Both the Food for Thought event and Galvin Harrison’s visionary T.N.G project share a profound similarity: the celebration of diversity and the power of shared narratives. While one provides a platform for individuals to exchange life stories in a warm and welcoming environment, the other, through its sculptures and artistry, embraces the same spirit of inclusivity and learning. Both initiatives stand as beacons of empathy, encouraging understanding, and fostering connections that transcend barriers of age, background, and nationality. They remind us that in sharing our stories and celebrating our differences, we create spaces where empathy thrives, understanding flourishes, and unity prevails.  About the author: I’m Bikalpa Bibash Basaula, an intern at Crossing Borders, Denmark. I recently had the pleasure of attending the Food For Thought event, organized by Crossing Borders, and it was an incredible experience.