Safe space in real-time dialogue

In Soliya’s dialogue, participants encounter a unique online space, unlike today's typical online discussion spaces. Facilitated small group spaces enable deep listening and a sense of being heard, encouraging participants to bring their authentic voices.

Participants feel safe enough with each other to speak out about what they really think and feel, even when they know others may disagree, and to listen with openness to understand and engage. This enables dialogue enriched by multiple perspectives and mutual learning.

"I think since the group fostered such a safe space to truly ask any question without judgment and attempt to answer it to the best of our ability, the dialogue we were able to have was so engaging and interesting."

Student, American (US)
“The freedom to share my thoughts freely and honestly without worrying about criticism or negative consequences was the best part of the Connect Program. It promoted an environment of mutual respect and open communication."

Student, Emirati, Connect Program
"The fact that the facilitator does not disclose where they are from was quite comforting. It eliminates any sense of bias and creates a comfortable environment... This approach makes the discussions feel more neutral and open."

Student, Palestinian
“What motivates me to facilitate with Soliya is the safe space it gives to the participants to shine. As a former participant, I learned to be more self-confident, open-minded, and aware. I also gained new skills like active listening, critical thinking, neutrality, and multipartiality that I never heard of before. Soliya offered me new perspective and a better community, which I feel that I finally found home. I would love to help other participants to have their own experience and find what they need in Soliya.”

Facilitator, Egyptian
"The support I have received has been wonderful. The best part of the Connect Program is the welcoming atmosphere - there’s no judgment, and no right or wrong answers."

Student, American (US), Connect Program
"The most important thing I learned through the Connect program is that it doesn't matter who you are or where you're from; what truly matters is the respect, security, and tranquility you feel when interacting with your colleagues. The people were fantastic, being both fun and respectful.”

Student, Libyan, Connect Program

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Confidence to engage and communicate

The top five areas of improvement for participants this semester were

communication skills, listening skills, self-confidence, self-initiative, and leadership skills.

The first step for skill development is a boost in confidence, that empowers participants to engage with their peers on diverse topics. As you are brave to participate in the learning process, you can gain a whole range of skils as part of your VE experience.

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"This experience has boosted my confidence in speaking with English speakers without the fear of stuttering or being misunderstood, and it has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone."

Student, Moroccan
"Normally I would say that I'm not too comfortable with talking to anyone new, but I changed my mind, and I opened up a lot more in this program and I'm super happy that I got over that anxiety part in the beginning."

Student, American (US)
"I was worried I wasn't going to be able to talk because of my social anxiety, but since it was so encouraging, I found myself answering first a lot and I think it helped my communication and connection with the other people in the call with me!"

Student, American (US)
“The Soliya experience has always had an impact on class discussion. Over the weeks of the Connect Program I can see the students become more confident in sharing ideas and interacting respectfully with their classmates. They also become more aware of alternative perspectives and the fact that what we think is 'normal' is our naturalized socio-cultural dominant point of view.”

Implementer, Italy, Connect Program
"In my class, I had an international student from the Ivory Coast. He initially felt very uncomfortable about taking part in the program. But as he connected with other international students in his Connect Program group who shared similar challenges, he gained a sense of openness and empowerment. Subsequently, he felt more comfortable discussing instances of discrimination he had encountered and expressed his intentions to address such issues in the future."

Implementer, Tunisia, Connect Program
"I’ve learned how to communicate properly with people, how to talk without being shy or without the fear of being judged, also I've learned a lot about other countries' cultures and traditions."

Student, Moroccan
"The real-time dialogue sessions taught me how to be more outgoing and confident."

Female, American (US)
“The free-flow dialogues really helped because this way I got to earn a lot of interesting perspectives without getting bored or distracted. They also helped to boost my confidence and helped me to share my views as well. Furthermore, since we could choose the topic we wanted to discuss, it was really enjoyable and interesting. I made a lot of new friends who all valued and respected me despite our cultural differences. My facilitator was absolutely amazing. I learned a lot. But if I had to choose I would say that the friendships I made were the best thing in the entire program.”

Student, Pakistani, Connect Program
“The Connect Program was a great chance for me to improve my English skills and confidence. My friends and facilitator in this experience were great and they always encouraged me to speak up and express my opinion.”

Student, Palestinian, Connect Program
“On the final day of class, I asked students to talk about what they were going to remember the most from class. A number of students mentioned the Connect Program and how it gave them more confidence when interacting with others. I offer the Connect Program in my class because many of my students never leave the States, and in the USA, some people have been impacted by rising nationalism. Interacting with individuals in other countries is a very valuable experience that can impact students so much.”

Implementer, MI, USA, Connect Program

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Ownership of the dialogue and learning process

Participants gain a learner-led experience where a group can use the space for what’s important to them. The curriculum and facilitators support them in the process through targeted activities, self- and group awareness, and communication tools. By actively engaging in discussions, participants gain confidence in expressing themselves authentically and being heard.

“The Connect Program element that contributed most to my learning experience is the role of my group facilitators. Facilitators were really challenging us and pushing us into deeper reflection which I thought was really valuable and important for nourishing the debate and reflection. Thanks to the Connect Program, I have learned a lot of things but the fact I'll remember is that even if millions of kilometers separate you from your peers you are still facing the same challenges and struggling with the same topics.”

Student, French, Connect Program
“While the Connect Program's structured dialogue provided valuable learning about who we are and where we come from, the identity activity was by far the most interesting to build connection and empathy, setting the stage for more open-minded conversations. Those conversations revealed our shared humanity despite surface-level differences. We all face unique struggles and triumphs of our own and the difference is just how we navigate it.”

Student, American, Connect Program
“The best thing about the Connect Program was the guided facilitation and how we were able to have conversations that were organized so we could all learn from the experience. The program also helped me understand what it feels like to be a global citizen and be in tune with other parts of the world. I enjoyed talking about our different cultures but also global issues that affected all of us.”

Student, American, Connect Program
“This semester I had to facilitate a challenging group because there were 3 participants who showed no interest initially and said that they only joined because it was mandatory in their course. However, after some weeks, they were engaging with curiosity in the discussions, they were wanting to learn from their peers and they mentioned that they were thankful for joining the program. For me, that was a success.”

Facilitator, Romanian, Connect Program

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Spaced learning

Dialogue experience extends beyond the online space, equipping participants with lifelong skills for engaging with differences and connecting virtual learning to various contexts in their personal and professional lives. VE is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing experience that remains embedded in participants' thinking, shaping their perspectives and engagement beyond the virtual space.

"Participating in the Soliya Connect program has been a transformative experience for me, and I'm actively working to integrate what I've learned into my everyday life. One of the key takeaways from our discussions has been the importance of open dialogue and empathy. I've started to share insights with friends and family, encouraging them to engage in deeper conversations about our differing perspectives."

Student, Iraqi, Connect Program
“My students began integrating their experiences from the Connect Program weekly dialogue sessions into our class discussions. They referred to moments when something was misunderstood or when they shared aspects of their own culture, quickly grasping the importance of cross-cultural exchange. They also recognized the significance of networking with students from around the world. Through their participation, they came to understand the powerful role that youth play as a social force on a global scale. Many of my students expressed that the Connect Program sessions provided them with a tremendous learning experience they will never forget.”

Implementer, Lebanon, Connect Program
“Seeing the way participants transform through the Connect Program reinforces my strong belief that dialogue is essential in the world today. I use it in my professional and personal life while also seeing its paucity in general life. I see stereotypes of people skew the world view creating enormous issues. I believe that there can be a butterfly effect, where small changes in small groups of people can change the world."

Implementer, British, Connect Program
“I read my students' final papers and their reflections on their Soliya experience. It truly changed many of their lives in very personal ways. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the experience, even when it was uncomfortable. For many students, it made them reflect on their own lives, how they interact and communicate with others, and how they perceive the world. I am really grateful for that. Thank you for all the hard work you put into making this such a meaningful experience.”

Implementer, Texas, US
“The Connect Program reinforced the value of continuous learning and staying informed about global issues, encouraging me to seek out new knowledge and perspectives beyond the program.”

Student, Tunisian, Connect Program
“What I learned about understanding different cultures was incredibly enjoyable. Learning about their customs and traditions was fascinating. Moreover, I learned the importance of respect, cultural sensitivity, and accepting others while actively listening to them. It encouraged me to be more open-minded and embrace diversity. This newfound cultural awareness has not only enriched my personal growth but has also enhanced my ability to connect and collaborate effectively in diverse environments.”

Student, Palestinian

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Activation

In dialogue groups, people engage with differences in a safe space that models real-world interactions. This authentic communication inspires participants to activate their learning through diverse practices and think of the potential impact on their own communities.

"Exploring how individuals can create positive change within their communities was incredibly inspiring and motivated me to think about my own impact. These discussions were both thought-provoking and empowering, making them the most memorable parts of the program."

Student, American (US)
“Participating in the Connect Program, I learned that my voice does make a difference and I can be a changemaker in my community.”

Student, American, Connect Program
“I actually learned a lot, but I think that the most important things I bring from my Connect Program experience is that it is really important to listen to what other people say, be open-minded and learn to accept differences, and be part of the change you want to see. My peers taught me to not be scared of saying your ideas, they helped me with my language skills, and I learned to be more confident. I think that the topics we dealt with were very important, and this was very stimulating. Thank you for this experience; I felt a little part of the world and I will never forget it!”

Student, Italian, Connect Program

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Safe space in real-time dialogue

"I think since the group fostered such a safe space to truly ask any question without judgment and attempt to answer it to the best of our ability, the dialogue we were able to have was so engaging and interesting."

Confidence to engage and communicate

"This experience has boosted my confidence in speaking with English speakers without the fear of stuttering or being misunderstood, and it has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone."

Ownership of the dialogue and learning process

Spaced learning

Activation

"Exploring how individuals can create positive change within their communities was incredibly inspiring and motivated me to think about my own impact. These discussions were both thought-provoking and empowering, making them the most memorable parts of the program."