Inclusive Exeter Proudly Announces Our New Project: The New Exonians. 
We are delighted to share the launch of The New Exonians, a groundbreaking project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This project is a very special initiative that seeks to document and celebrate the diverse experiences of international communities living in the Exeter. Through personal stories and shared experiences, The New Exonians aims to paint a vivid picture of how individuals from different countries build their lives, overcome challenges, and strive for success in a country that is new to them.
The heart of this project lies in telling the stories of individuals from grassroots communities—ordinary people with extraordinary journeys. These narratives resonate with many of us because they reflect the common struggles, dreams and hopes we all share. By highlighting these stories, The New Exonians offers valuable insights into the perseverance and resilience of those who have found ways to thrive in a multicultural society, despite the odds.
This year, we are focussing on three specific communities whose stories we believe will offer both inspiration and reflection:
The Filipino Community Association: A vibrant and close-knit group, known for their contributions in healthcare and other essential sectors, who have become an integral part of the city of Exeter.
The Exeter Malayalee Association: A community deeply rooted in their traditions and culture, yet actively embracing new opportunities in Exeter.
The Devon Bengali Association: A group whose rich cultural heritage and contributions to both business and community life have enriched the fabric of both Exeter and Devon.
Through interviews, video documentaries, and community events, we aim to gather and share a wealth of stories from these communities. These stories will highlight their experiences of adapting to life in the UK, their achievements, and how their cultural heritage plays a significant role in shaping their identities. The New Exonians is about learning from these experiences, fostering understanding, and promoting empathy. We believe that through sharing these stories, we can inspire others to apply the lessons of perseverance, adaptability, and community support in their own lives and give other communities a greater understanding of modern day Exeter.
The project is spearheaded by a dedicated team:
Mahsin Mahbub, who serves as the Project Coordinator, bringing her vision and passion for community engagement to ensure the project’s success.
Harvie Gamotia, who serves as the Project Administrator and Technical Lead, working behind the scenes to ensure the smooth execution of the project.
Bitpod, our media partner and the official videographer for this project, will be capturing all key events, interviews, and personal stories through high-quality video documentation. With their expertise in video production, Bitpod will help bring these stories to life, allowing us to reach a broader audience and ensure that the stories are told in a powerful and engaging way.
We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery, connection, and inspiration. Whether you are part of these communities or simply curious to learn more, The New Exonians promises to provide valuable insights into the lives of those who call Exeter home but still carry the essence of their homelands within them.
Keep an eye on our updates as we begin releasing stories, interviews, and event announcements. We believe that by hearing these voices, we will all gain a deeper understanding of what it means to live, adapt, and succeed in a multicultural environment.