Zoroastrian Stories of Migration Project -Intergenerational Storytelling Workshop
On Sunday 30 November 2025, the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) delivered a highly successful intergenerational storytelling workshop at the Zoroastrian Centre in Rayners Lane, Harrow, as part of the Zoroastrian Stories of Migration project within the wider Stories of Harrow programme.
The workshop was expertly facilitated by Dr Miranda Quinney, whose warm, inclusive, and highly skilled approach created a safe and engaging environment for participants of all ages. Her guidance ensured that conversations flowed naturally, encouraging thoughtful reflection and meaningful exchanges between generations.
Participants from across the Zoroastrian community, ranging in age from 14 to 86, gathered in a warm, welcoming space to share their heritage, migration journeys, and deeply personal life stories. The room was filled with a spirit of openness, respect, and heartfelt connection. Throughout the day, voices were heard, memories were honoured, and generations bridged through storytelling. Attendees expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to listen, learn, and truly connect with one another in such a meaningful way.
The Workshop
A central element of the workshop was the sharing of personal heritage objects, including family photographs, books, jewellery, clothing, and treasured keepsakes. These objects acted as powerful prompts for storytelling, allowing participants to reflect on memories of migration, identity, resilience, and belonging.
Younger participants showed high levels of engagement, asking insightful questions and demonstrating a deep interest in the experiences of older generations.
The intergenerational format was particularly valued, with many participants commenting on how rare and important it felt to have dedicated time and space to hear stories that are often shared informally or risk being lost over time. The day was structured to support participation and confidence, beginning with an introductory briefing for younger Zoroastrians, followed by group storytelling sessions and fun, informal discussions.
Partnership and Evaluation
The workshop was enriched by the presence of Alex McIntyre, Stories of Harrow Project Manager, whose attendance reinforced the collaborative nature of the programme and its connection to the wider heritage sector in Harrow. The session was also attended by Rinku Mitra, Project Evaluator, who observed the activities and gathered feedback to support the project’s ongoing evaluation.
Professional photography throughout the day was provided by Niaz Maleknia, capturing key moments of storytelling, participation, and connection. These images form an important part of the project’s documentation and will be used for reporting, evaluation, and promotional purposes.
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the workshop as:
• “Engaging, inclusive, and beautifully facilitated”
• “Emotionally powerful and deeply affirming”
• “A vital way to preserve our community’s history”
• “An inspiring space where generations truly listened to one another”
Many participants also expressed enthusiasm for contributing further to the project through recorded interviews and future activities.
The workshop successfully met and exceeded its aims by:
• Strengthening intergenerational relationships within the Zoroastrian community
• Encouraging the sharing and preservation of migration stories and cultural heritage
• Contributing to the development of a lasting community archive
• Reinforcing pride in Zoroastrian identity, resilience, and shared history
This event represents a significant milestone within the Zoroastrian Stories of Migration project, delivered as part of Stories of Harrow, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and supported by Harrow Giving in collaboration with Headstone Manor Museum. It demonstrated the power of community-led storytelling to ensure that Zoroastrian voices, memories, and experiences in the UK are recorded, treasured, and passed on to future generations.