One of the biggest questions today across campuses is that of societal engagement, particularly for internationals and students from minority communities. Traversing the campus life can be hard for everyone, but it can be more so for certain people. Therefore, our project asks the question “How can we promote the university to engage with society in a meaningful way and promote in general more cross- cultural dialogue between students from all walks of life?”
Our solution: A human library – with a modern twist!
A Human Library is an innovative and interactive concept where “books” are actually people, and participants borrow these “human books” for a conversation. These human books are individuals who share their personal experiences, perspectives, or stories related to unique challenges, cultures, professions, or identities. The goal is to use a virtual reality platform to foster understanding, dialogue, and empathy by providing a safe space for open conversations about topics that are often misunderstood or stigmatized. The Human Library concept was first adopted by The Human Library Organization as a way of conversing to challenge stereotypes through dialogue, with events physically carried out in various cities. Our innovative approach brings a modern twist to the traditional human library concept by embracing 21st century virtual technology.