Community
Discover more about the community of Venice School participants.
The success of the Venice School lies in its role as a pioneering training initiative that creates an immersive learning environment and empowers participants with solid knowledge, practical skills, and a vital network to advocate for justice and equality.
Alberta Rocca
Venice School for Human Rights Defenders - Project Manager
Diversity is a core value of the programme, enhancing exchange, personal growth and peer learning through the varied background of participants.
Throughout its long history of excellence, the programme has engaged diverse cohorts of participants who have enriched the Venice School’s vibrant network and expanded its impact in driving social change across regions.
Across 10 editions between 2010 and 2019, we welcomed 128 young Russian students through a collaboration with a consortium of Russian Universities led by the Peoples Friendship University of Russia and sponsored by the Moscow Regional Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to foster international students and scholars’ exchange.
Across 10 editions from 2016 to 2025, we have welcomed 130 Sakharov Fellows selected by the European Parliament for their commitment to freedom of thought, human rights and democratic values.
With its multidisciplinary and participatory approach, the Venice School builds a community that participants both nurture and benefit from offering space for self-care, reflection and empathy.
Alumni
VIP Guests
Nationality diversity
Satisfaction rate
Satisfaction rate
Here some testimonials of past participants:
A very good chance that refuels human rights defenders with new energy, experience, network, and a bright flash of inspiration for new goals set ahead.