Roots and Routes is a student-led project created by me, Noah Noudari. I started it because of my own life experience. I was born in the Netherlands, but my family is originally from Morocco. Growing up in a household with different traditions, values, and language from the country I live in made me think about how people from different backgrounds can understand each other better.

The name Roots and Routes has two meanings. “Roots” are where we come from — our families, our culture, our memories. “Routes” are the paths we take — new places, experiences, and opportunities. Many immigrants and children of immigrants live between these two worlds. I believe it’s possible to honor both.

This project is focused on helping young people, especially from immigrant backgrounds, feel seen and supported. We do this through storytelling, workshops, and resources that are meant to be useful and easy to access. I also want to highlight real stories of immigrants — not only their challenges, but also their strength and creativity.

Roots and Routes started as a school project, but I hope it becomes something more. The goal is to create understanding between people and to give immigrant youth more confidence and tools to succeed in the place they live, without forgetting where they come from.

This project is also part of my own learning journey. I’m still figuring things out too. But I believe that even small steps can make a difference — one story, one workshop, or one conversation at a time.