On 24 February 2026, the Roots & Routes project took another exciting step forward by organising its first community brunch in Leiden. Bringing together young people from different cultural backgrounds, the event created a welcoming space where participants could connect, share experiences, and begin building meaningful friendships through a simple yet powerful activity: sharing a meal together.

The brunch was designed as an informal gathering where participants could get to know one another in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Over slices of pizza and lively conversations, young people had the opportunity to exchange stories about their cultures, experiences, and journeys that brought them to Leiden. What started as a casual lunch quickly turned into a vibrant intercultural exchange, highlighting the value of bringing people together through food and dialogue.

One of the core objectives of the Roots & Routes project is to strengthen connections between local and international youth while promoting inclusion, solidarity, and active participation. The first brunch reflected these values by creating an environment where everyone felt welcome to contribute, share their perspectives, and learn from one another.

Throughout the afternoon, participants engaged in conversations about cultural traditions, daily life in different countries, and the challenges and opportunities of living in an international environment. These exchanges helped break down barriers and encouraged participants to discover common interests despite their diverse backgrounds.

Food has always been a universal language, and the pizza brunch proved exactly that. Sharing a meal encouraged spontaneous conversations, laughter, and genuine interaction among participants who, in many cases, had only just met. The event demonstrated how simple activities can create meaningful opportunities for connection and foster a stronger sense of community.

Beyond building new friendships, the brunch also introduced participants to the wider vision of Roots & Routes. During the gathering, attendees learned more about the upcoming activities planned throughout the year, including cultural evenings, cooking sessions, community-building events, and opportunities to actively contribute to the development of the project. The initiative aims not only to create memorable experiences but also to empower participants to take ownership of future activities and continue building connections long after the project concludes.

As the first community event of the project, the brunch successfully set the tone for the months ahead. It highlighted the importance of intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and shared experiences in creating inclusive communities where everyone feels valued and connected.

The Roots & Routes team is excited to continue this journey and looks forward to welcoming even more participants to future activities. If the first brunch was any indication, the project is already proving that meaningful connections often begin with something as simple as sharing a meal together.