Shama Institute
Country
Ethiopia
Location
Addis Ababa
Partner Lead
Faduma Abukar
Focus
Cultural exchange, Community building, Youth engagement, Creative expression. Social cohesion
About
Shama Institute is a refugee-led organization based in Addis Ababa, working to bridge divides between refugees and host communities through culture.
Founded on the belief that shared traditions can foster connection, Shama creates spaces for art, music, food, and storytelling. In a fast-moving urban environment, the organization helps people rediscover belonging, transforming cultural expression into a powerful tool for connection, understanding, and community-building.
Why beauty matters here
In a fast-moving city, beauty creates pause. Through art and cultural expression, people connect across differences, turning shared spaces into places of encounter, understanding, and belonging.
“Culture is the most natural bridge between people. When we share food, music, and stories, we move beyond difference and begin to build real connection, familiarity, and belonging.”
What this partnership will explore
How cultural expression can bridge divides between refugees and host communities
How shared creative spaces foster connection in urban environments
How art and storytelling reshape perceptions of belonging
How community-led design strengthens social cohesion across cultures