Beyond the page, Vienna
The project empowers socially disadvantaged young people in Vienna through literature, creative expression and mentoring. The project creates safe spaces where young people can discover their own voice, tell their stories and build confidence in their abilities, laying out the foundation for meaningful participation and new pathways in education and employment.
The project
Many socially disadvantaged young people have limited access to cultural participation, quality education and career opportunities. In particular, adolescents with refugee or migration backgrounds, from BIPoC communities or from low-income families face structural barriers that affect their language development and self-confidence. Too often, there are few spaces where their perspectives are heard and their talents nurtured.
“Beyond the Page” responds directly to these challenges. Through literature weeks, creative labs and regular workshops, participants engage with diverse texts and develop their own stories. They explore creative writing, spoken word, podcasting and visual storytelling, and experience that their voices and experiences matter. Skill-building formats strengthen media literacy, project management and career-oriented competencies.
A dedicated mentoring component supports young people in defining personal goals, preparing application documents and gaining confidence in public speaking. Public readings, exhibitions and community events showcase their work, foster self-efficacy and encourage dialogue between marginalized communities and the broader society.
In this way, a sustainable educational model emerges that strengthens language skills, critical thinking and self-confidence, creating tangible educational and professional pathways for the future.
