Common ground – Samvera receives a grant

This week, Fanny Sanne Sissoko, Project Manager for Inclusion & Education, and Martyna Karolina Daniel, Project Manager for Accessibility & Participation, received a grant from the Development Fund for Immigrant Issues for Common ground – Samvera, a new project launching at the City Library Grófin and Gerðuberg in spring 2026. 

Samvera is based on the philosophy behind “Let’s Chat With an Accent”, a long-running and very popular program at the library. With the new project there will be even stronger emphasis on social connections between immigrants and native Icelandic speakers through shared interests and togetherness. 

We encourage a deeper sense of belonging and meaningful connection with Iceland through three different activities, made for everyone to enjoy — both native Icelandic speakers and those with a foreign background. 

Reading local news in Icelandic to help immigrants feel connected to Icelandic society, learn advanced vocabulary and feel empowered to participate in local democracy. 

Nature walks to demystify Icelandic nature, which can feel harsh and isolating to immigrants, and increase people´s confidence to enjoy the benefits that being outdoors has on physical and mental health.  

Poetry workshops where people can develop a relationship with the Icelandic language that is rooted in creativity. 
 

A huge thank-you to the Development Fund for Immigrant Affairs for the support — we look forward to start planing Common ground and will share more information on the Library’s media this spring!