From Figure to Figure: A Reflection On Telling And Listening

Abstract

In 2017 the MELLIE Project (Migrant English Language, Literacy and Intercultural Education) brought together, for the first time, volunteers from DCU (Dublin City University) and residents from Mosney Direct Provision Centre in Co. Meath, Ireland. The aim of the project is to create an opportunity for refugees and colleagues in DCU to meet, get to know, and learn from each other, through the mode of storytelling. Initially, over a course of six weeks, then, later, twelve weeks when MELLIE was run again in 2018, participants got together in pairs to interview each other. The conversations were guided by questions covering different topics each week. The participants were asked to take notes while interviewing their partners, and use their records to write a story. The following is an account of the project based on personal experience and reflection. Some excerpts of the interviews are included.