In a world where turmoil and displacement often define the narratives of refugees, there exists a glimmer of hope in Stirling. Nidaa, a resilient soul found solace and renewed purpose through the Trojan Women project’s drama workshops, which have been supported by National Lottery funding.

Nidaa’s journey is not just a story of survival but proof of the transformative potential of community-based projects, like Trojan Women.

Nidaa’s story

“My life in Syria before the war was stable. I lived with my family, and my friends. It was beautiful, but when I lost everything, my home, my family, and my friends, and I was separated from my children.

“I became a body without a soul…. I couldn’t stop weeping and I got very ill.”

But amidst the darkness, Scotland offered Nidaa a glimmer of hope. Here, she found security, happiness, and a newfound sense of belonging. The transition wasn’t without its challenges. Nidaa first moved to Egypt, however her time there wasn’t easy.

“When I left my country, we decided to go to Egypt because it is an Arab country, with the same language and almost the same customs, But, although the country  is beautiful, I did not feel safe. We were robbed several times and threatened physically. I was very afraid.

“I died a thousand times every day.

Yet, it was the welcoming embrace of the Scottish people that finally allowed Nidaa to exhale, to feel safe once more.

“We lived in Egypt for four years from 2013 until we came [to Scotland] in 2016. Here I feel safe and secure, and I consider myself one of you. I love the people here because they are kind and humane.”

Trojan Women workshops

The Trojan Women project is a sanctuary where refugees like Nidaa find refuge not just from trauma from their past but also from the isolation that often accompany displacement. Through immersive drama workshops participants are given more than just a stage – they’re given a voice.

“I first joined the project in 2018, when we were working at Platform Theatre in Glasgow. It was almost unbelievable, how much happier it made me, how much psychological comfort it gave me. To be listened to. I began to feel much better and hopeful and look forward to the future. The work was very successful and enjoyable.”

The workshops became more than just a creative outlet; they became a lifeline, a lifeline intertwined with the bonds of newfound friendship and solidarity.

“I began to love life and now I have hope after what I was missing. I felt like the other people in the workshops were my family, and my friends. I loved them very much. It was the most beautiful experience in my life, and I always loved being with them.”

Adapting through the COVID pandemic

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trojan Women project adapted. They received National Lottery funding to run online workshops aimed at refugees to ensure they had support and didn’t feel isolated.

The online platform was a comfort for many including Nidaa, who’s mental health was affected during this period.

“I was very worried by Covid. I was very afraid and found it very hard to sleep for months. I would have panic attacks. So I enjoyed having the [online] workshops very much.”

Looking ahead to the spring workshops, which will be face-to-face again, Nidaa’s optimism shines bright. “I’m very much looking forward to taking part.“

Watch Nidaa’s performance at Platform Theatre in Glasgow on YouTube.

More about Trojan Women project

To those who seek to make a difference in the lives of refugees, to offer them not just aid but genuine support and compassion, the Trojan Women project stands as a shining example. Through the power of storytelling, improvisation, and community, it fosters healing, resilience, and hope.

Alongside their drama workshops, Trojan Women now have a podcast, sharing stories from refugees and asylum seekers who have fled danger and have come to the UK. Hear their stories.

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