Funded by: Various supporters across different years (including UNHCR Spain for some editions)
Partner organisations: Community partners in Barcelona, Espai Mescladís, Nau Bostik, and members of the Kudwa community
🔍 About the project
Baytna (“Our Home”) was Kudwa’s long-running community-building initiative designed to bring together Arabic-speaking migrants and refugees in Barcelona. Across several editions, Baytna created a warm, welcoming space for people to connect, share experiences, celebrate their diversity, and find a sense of belonging away from home.
Rooted in Kudwa’s core values — community, participation, and inclusion — Baytna provided the foundation for ongoing connection, mutual support, and healing in a safe, multilingual, migrant-led environment.
🎯 Main objectives
- Strengthen connection and belonging among Arabic-speaking migrants & refugees in Barcelona.
- Create safe, joyful, community-led spaces where people can meet, network, and share experiences.
- Offer opportunities to explore identity, culture, challenges, and aspirations collectively.
- Activate community participation and listen to emerging needs in a trusted environment.
🌍 Activities & Highlights
Baytna 1 — Activating the Arab Community (May 2021
Baytna began in 2021 as a response to two urgent realities:
- the isolation and stereotypes faced by the diverse Arab community in Catalonia, and
- the deep loneliness amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event brought together Arabic-speaking participants to:
- share cultural diversity and personal stories
- explore common struggles and joys
- build a sense of belonging in Barcelona
- identify needs and challenges in a safe environment
The first Baytna laid the foundation for a supportive community — “a home away from home” — and opened the door to a stronger, more connected Arab-speaking community.
Baytna 2 — Deepening Community Bonds (November 2022)
Building on the success of the first edition, Baytna 2 expanded the invitation to all Arabic-speaking people in Barcelona and surrounding areas, with a special focus on newcomers.
The event included:
- community welcome & presentation
- intervention from Kudwa community speakers
- fun activities and ice-breakers
- shared food and networking
Impact & Feedback
Over 30 participants attended, sharing powerful reflections:
- “You made me relive sweet memories. It was a very special day.”
- “This activity helped us build social relations and get to know the Arab community in the city.”
The event confirmed the community’s need for regular safe spaces for connection, and reinforced Kudwa’s commitment to nurturing belonging.
Baytna 3 — Kudwa Academy Launch Event (October 2023)
The third edition of Baytna became the launch moment for Kudwa Academy — integrating the Baytna spirit of belonging with learning, empowerment, and participation.
The event brought together 34 migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers for:
- an introduction to Kudwa Academy
- interactive tables on climate change, gender equality, and refugee participation
- peer-led discussions facilitated by migrant and refugee experts
- networking and community-building
Key discussion themes included:
- climate change impacts & solutions
- gender equality, stereotypes, intersectionality
- participation barriers, legal constraints, and community advocacy
Impact & Feedback
Participants described the event as inspiring, well-organised, and energising:
- It raised awareness about structural challenges.
- It activated community leadership.
- It created meaningful connections and reinforced the value of collective dialogue.
Baytna 3 solidified Baytna’s evolution from a gathering space into a platform for learning, agency, and civic participation.
Baytna 4 — Our Home Away From Home Festival (June 2024)
The fourth edition of Baytna transformed into a full-day community festival held at Can Mas Deu, bringing together migrants, refugees, neighbours and friends for a vibrant celebration of culture, solidarity and togetherness.
The event offered a full programme of activities, including:
- inspiring community talks and personal stories
- delicious Middle Eastern food prepared by community members
- live music and dance
- open activities throughout the day for families, youth and newcomers
Baytna 4 continued the tradition of creating an open, welcoming environment where people could arrive at any time, meet others, and reconnect with cultures and memories that bring comfort and belonging far from home.
Impact
The festival strengthened connections within the migrant community, promoted intercultural exchange, and reinforced a shared sense of joy, pride and resilience. The open format allowed people to come and go freely, making it one of the most accessible and community-driven editions of Baytna.
🌍OVERALL Impact
Across its different editions, Baytna:
- created safe, joyful spaces for migrants and refugees to feel seen and supported
- strengthened community resilience after isolation and displacement
- reduced loneliness by fostering regular, meaningful human connection
- offered opportunities for collective reflection and knowledge exchange
- supported newcomers in finding their place in Barcelona
- activated leadership, storytelling, and participation
- built a growing network of committed community members
Baytna became more than an event series — it became a symbol of belonging, a gathering of shared stories, and a reminder that “home” can be recreated wherever community thrives.
