Lifeboat

The Lifeboat project was born from discussions among partner NGOs, inspired by their experiences working with refugees and migrants. Prior to the first application, each partner organized two Zoom...

The primary aim was to develop innovative project outcomes to enhance the efficacy of youth workers in their engagement with young individuals from migrant/refugee/asylum-seeking backgrounds. Both these youngsters and their local counterparts actively participated in project activities, ensuring their voices were heard and incorporated into the creation of a methodology and manual tailored to their real needs and tested in real-life scenarios. The objectives were: Enhanced social inclusion within the education system through the implementation of a methodology and manual developed as part of Project results. This involved collaboration between young individuals from migrant/refugee/asylum-seeking backgrounds and local youth. Strengthened capacities of youth workers, facilitators, teachers, and other relevant professionals in working with multicultural groups, thereby promoting social inclusion among them. Creation of innovative educational materials, freely accessible, aimed at aiding youth workers, facilitators, and teachers in fostering a tolerant working environment. The adoption of these materials was intended to mitigate non-tolerant, xenophobic, or racist behaviors.

Throughout the 22-month duration of the project, six transnational meetings were planned, each hosted in one of the partner countries. These gatherings convened two representatives from each NGO, totaling 12 youth workers, and focused on various aspects of the project, including monitoring, evaluation, and dissemination of results. In addition to the transnational meetings, several local activities were organized. One such activity centered around bringing together youngsters from migrant/refugee/asylum-seeking backgrounds and local youth. These gatherings served as a platform to observe reactions to different non-formal learning methods, laying the groundwork for Project Result II. Project Result I involved the creation of guidelines for youth workers to effectively engage with refugee and migrant youth. Project Result II, on the other hand, focused on developing a manual based on the insights gained from the local activities. These resources were aimed at promoting social inclusion and enhancing understanding among youth workers, facilitators, and teachers.

As part of this Cooperation partnership, two Project Results were developed. The first, the Methodology, comprised a methodology for youth workers and teaching modules co-created with young individuals from refugee/migrant/asylum-seeking backgrounds and local youth. The second result the Manual, was intricately linked to the Methodology. Drawing on the insights gained during PR1 activities, this Manual was published and shared in the language of each partner, along with English, targeting relevant stakeholders. Additionally, a Lifeboat recommendation was crafted, aimed at the ministries of education in each partner country. This recommendation encapsulated our collective knowledge and proposed avenues for improving the educational landscape. Institutions and target groups were encouraged to endorse this recommendation, signifying a collective acknowledgment of the identified needs. To facilitate widespread dissemination and easy access to information, an interactive website was launched. This platform housed all developed content, including audiovisual educational materials, ensuring free access for all interested parties.