When addressing social divides and hostility, personal stories carry far more weight than abstract theories. In the second participatory video produced under the HATE-LESS project in Estonia, 24-year-old resident Lisa Galkina shares an authentic, deeply moving reflection on identity, linguistic background, and the power of everyday kindness.
Facilitated by project partner Eesti People to People, the video titled “Human Connection Beyond Language” explores how personal relationships can overcome political tensions and language barriers in local communities.
Overcoming Stereotypes Through Personal Experience
Born and raised in Estonia within a Russian-speaking family, Lisa describes how her accent frequently signals her background to others, sometimes inviting hesitation or negative assumptions. Having experienced harsh remarks in public spaces, Lisa initially struggled with feelings of isolation.
However, rather than producing a video focused on hate, Lisa chose to frame her message around gratitude and kindness. The participatory video serves as a thank-you note to her Estonian friends, colleagues, and neighbours who proved that prejudice does not define her local community.
A Defining Moment of Kindness
A central moment in Lisa’s video recounts her relationship with an elderly Estonian neighbour. Following the loss of the neighbour’s husband, Lisa offered support and spent time getting to know her. Despite their different linguistic backgrounds and generational gaps, her neighbour responded with kindness, sweetness, and genuine appreciation.
This friendship served as something of a turning point for Lisa, restoring her faith in human relationships and demonstrating that direct, personal interactions can dissolve artificial social divides. As Lisa emphasizes in the video, human connections and mutual respect are far more important than political narratives.
Lisa’s story is a powerful reminder that stronger communities begin when we choose more love and less hate.
Watch the Participatory Video
You can watch Lisa Galkina’s full participatory video below:
Funding Agency: JUGEND für Europa
Learn more about HATE-LESS: https://hate-less.eu
