I first came accross Zoya Miari’s story at One Young World in Belfast. Zoya is a double refugee, meaning she has had to flee war twice. However, through her advocacy for refugees around the world Zoya was invited to One Young World in Manchester. It was here that she met fellow delegates and refugees and they discussed “what is a home”. It was through this discussion that Zoya decided to create her own initative Waves To Home. A platform that promotes the stories of refugees and as she says hopes to encourage “Post Tramatic Growth”.

Zoya is now a One Young World Peace Ambassador and spoke at the summit in 2023. This is her incredible story:

1. Can you tell me about your background before you launched Waves To Home?

I am twice a refugee, first as a Palestinian in Lebanon, and currently as a Ukrainian in Switzerland. The initial 15 years of my life were spent in a Palestinian refugee camp under extremely challenging conditions. Through those experiences, I came to understand that life is filled with unexpected events, affecting us all. What truly matters is not what happens to us, but how we respond to these challenges, making all the difference. Fleeing the war in Ukraine, I found refuge with a Swiss family. This experience made me realise the profound importance of sharing our stories. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to share my journey through interviews and other means, reaching diverse age groups in Switzerland. Recognizing the transformative power of storytelling on both the narrator and the world, I dedicated my time to creating a safe and peaceful environment where refugees, the displaced, and migrants can become the storytellers of their own experiences in their own ways. My passion for storytelling, healing, and human connections drove me to establish a movement where individuals who have faced displacement can share their narratives. Through this movement, my goal is to connect with refugees, migrants, and displaced people, enabling them to recognize their own strength and power. I hope that by providing various means for people to express their stories, we can change the way they define themselves and, in turn, inspire others.

2. I know One Young World (OYW) is an essential part of your story. How did you get involved in OYW Manchester 2022?

Escaping the war in Ukraine fuelled my passion to bring more peace into this world. I remember when I came to Switzerland, I was sharing my dreams with someone who was trying to help me with finding a job. He told me: “You know you’ll start working here soon, but you’ve got too many dreams and passion within you, make sure to achieve them all”. Becoming a Peace Ambassador has always been one of the things I always wanted to achieve.  I always envisioned myself as a member of global communities—communities led by individuals crazy enough to believe they can change the world. When I discovered One Young World, I instantly knew that this was the community I wanted to be a part of. Despite my self-doubt, which led me to apply just an hour before the deadline, I decided to share my story, giving it a chance. After weeks of anticipation, the long-awaited email finally arrived announcing my selection as a One Young World European Commission Peace Ambassador Scholar. It was a dream come true.

3. Can you tell me about Waves To Home, how did the initiative come about and how did you get it started?

. Each person shared their story from a unique perspective. It wasn’t until this storytelling circle that we truly understood each other’s struggles. We were moved. We were inspired. There is so much happening in the world, and the individuals who can truly help us understand the reality are those who have lived it themselves. They are the best storytellers. I came to realise that storytelling not only heals us but also connects us on a deeper level with others, allowing us to comprehend their realities. Certainly, wars and violence bring an abundance of traumas, struggles, and pain. However, within these traumas lies an equally powerful force—resilience and a growth mindset that we have gained. It dawned on me: what if we could bring all these stories together? What if we could unite all these refugees who carry so much pain, struggles, and a burning desire to change their reality? We would be capable of transforming the reality for refugees, migrants, and displaced people. And that’s how the WAVES TO HOME storytelling movement began—with the genuine friendship of 11 young leaders from 9 different countries. Waves represent the struggles these people had to go through and also the waves that have taken the lives of many refugees and migrants. “Home” symbolises the new homes we strive to build, with new lives, new opportunities, and a new reality. This global storytelling movement is for everyone who has been forced to leave their homes and lives behind. Our platform provides a safe space for refugees, migrants, and displaced people to share their stories and become their own storytellers, finding inner strength in the process and inspiring the world with their resilience. Together, we will no longer hide behind our realities but instead celebrate our resilience. In my community, where I was raised, people were never taught ways to express themselves, leading to the manifestation of pain through violence. Through Waves to Home, we aim to help others acknowledge their pain and transform it into fuel for a greater positive purpose. This process enables them to create peaceful weapons to bring about positive change in the world.

4. I know you are looking for volunteers or assistance with the initiative, what areas are you looking for?

We are looking for individuals with expertise in social media strategy. A social media strategist would play a crucial role in enhancing our online presence and amplifying the impact of our storytelling efforts. We need someone who can develop and implement a comprehensive social media plan, including content creation, scheduling, and engagement strategies. The goal is to effectively communicate our mission, engage with our audience, and promote the various storytelling activities such as workshops, events, and story sharing opportunities. The ideal candidate should have experience in crafting compelling narratives for social media platforms, understanding the nuances of different channels, and possessing a creative flair to convey our message effectively. By leveraging social media, we aim to broaden our reach, connect with new networks, and foster a supportive community around our storytelling initiative. If there’s someone who has expertise in social media strategy and is passionate about making a positive impact through storytelling, we would love to welcome them to our team.

In addition to our search for a social media strategist, we are also actively seeking assistance in several other key areas:

1. Storywriters and Storytelling Instructors: We are looking for individuals experienced in the art of crafting impactful stories. These volunteers will play a vital role in guiding and teaching our storytellers, helping them refine their narratives and convey their experiences effectively.

2. Consultants on Leading Movements: We are interested in collaborating with individuals who have experience in leading movements or initiatives. Your insights can provide valuable guidance on strategic planning and effective leadership.

3. Art of Storytelling Enthusiasts: Individuals who are deeply involved in the art of storytelling, whether through traditional or innovative mediums, are welcome to contribute. Their expertise can enrich our storytelling initiatives, fostering creativity and diverse perspectives within our community.

4. Video Editor: A proficient video editor is crucial to help us produce high-quality videos for our storytelling content. This includes editing footage from workshops, events, and interviews to create compelling visual narratives.

5.Translator: We are looking for individuals fluent in different languages to help translate our stories and content. This is essential for reaching diverse audiences and ensuring that our messages resonate across various linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

5. What can we learn from your and others’ experience of being refugees? How are the refugees you’ve met helping shape the future?

The power of storytelling lies in its impact on the attitudes we choose when recounting our own stories and the broader narrative of the world. Through storytelling, we reshape the narratives we tell ourselves. This transformative power allowed me to change how I perceive my own story. Instead of hiding behind the fact that I come from a refugee camp, today I stand confidently and proudly say I am twice a refugee. We may not have control over what happens to us as refugees, but we do have the ability to choose our reactions to life’s events, and that choice makes all the difference. Wars may take our homes and claim the lives of our loved ones, but they can never take our spirit away. Nothing can silence our voices or hinder us from narrating our own stories. That is our true power. As refugees and displaced individuals, we will continue to fight for a more peaceful world by being full of life and stories.

6. You appeared in a number of media outlets at OYW 2022 where you discussed Post Traumatic Growth and how this has affected you. Can you tell me more about that and the positive aspects of it?

While escaping the war in Ukraine, we sang Ukrainian folk songs in the train, and with each song, our resilience grew stronger. At that moment, I knew we wouldn’t allow ourselves to become victims again; instead, we would become warriors and fighters. With this attitude, I chose to become a warrior every single day, growing out of my traumas. I recognize the traumas and pain, but with these struggles, there’s growth, and that’s what I want to focus on, Post Traumatic Growth. Creating a beautiful impact despite and through our traumas has become a motto in my life.

7. You became a Peace Ambassador for OWY at OYW 2023 in Belfast. What did you do at the summit and what were some of your key takeaways from OWY 2023 and Belfast as a city?

The first One Young World summit I joined in Manchester was one of the most impactful, emotional, and inspiring experiences in my journey. I never imagined that a summit could touch us so deeply, making us cry, smile, laugh, and then cry again. It provided a safe environment where we were accepted for who we are, encouraged to share our true selves and life stories without judgment, and inspired to become the leaders the world needs today. My initial purpose was to “inspire and get inspired,” but the experience didn’t just inspire me; it changed my life.

I connected deeply with delegates who became dear friends, making me feel that I belong and empowering me to contribute to making the world a better place. The One Young World summit addressed crucial global issues, from climate change and ethical leadership to gender equality and health. However, its most significant impact was revealing the beauty of unity among young leaders worldwide. Witnessing them come together to create a better world brought hope into each of us.

I knew, at that moment, that I would return the next year to give back to this community. After inspiring many in Switzerland through storytelling, I felt ready to do the same at One Young World. I always imagined myself as a messenger of love and peace. During the summit in Belfast, I shared my story in front of 2,000+ young leaders worldwide, emphasising the power within us to choose our own attitude. Just like Belfast, a city that created love and peace despite its traumas, I did too.

8. What tools do you deploy to safeguard your own mental health and not let it affect your mission on a day to day level?

To be honest, with everything happening in my home countries—Palestine, Ukraine, and Lebanon—I’ve felt my emotions running on a roller coaster for so long. I’ve felt down, exhausted, depressed, and numb. It feels like too much to handle. It’s normal to feel this way, especially with what’s happening, but I always try to find one positive thing that brings me hope and hold on to it. One thing that helps me is spending time reflecting away from social media. Talking, expressing, and letting it out have been of great help, especially with what’s happening in Gaza, as we’ve led sharing circles in Waves to Home to support those emotionally affected. It’s usually the little things that people underestimate that help us a lot, like connecting with ourselves and others, being kind to ourselves, asking for help when needed, and most importantly, allowing ourselves to feel whatever we need to feel but not sitting with those feelings for too long.

9. Are there any companies or organisations that you have worked with previously that have been particularly helpful or one that you are a big fan of?

Being part of various organisations, especially the Scouts while growing up, has profoundly impacted and nurtured the leader within me. Through this experience, I gained insights into kind leadership, curiosity, our connection with nature, and our spirit. This attitude has become a guiding force in my life, inspiring me to create a positive impact wherever I go. Fuelled by curiosity, I’ve joined many organisations that played roles in various aspects of life. Now, being part of One Young World fulfils a dream of mine, providing the opportunity to connect with the world. It makes the world seem smaller and more interconnected.

10. Let’s end on a positive note. What are we looking forward to in 2024?

As a Peace Ambassador, my deepest desire is for peace in my home countries and the world. Achieving lasting peace goes hand in hand with justice, requiring the fight against oppression and injustices, speaking up for the truth, and breaking the cycle of violence. Peace has been my childhood dream, and it remains my steadfast aspiration today. I hope the world rediscovers peace, love, and hope within and around us. We deserve peace. The whole world deserves peace.