Facilitate the socio-professional inclusion of migrants by empowering them through digital mapping activities / MapInclusive

With the MapInclusive project, we were able to develop a different pedagogical approach to digital inclusion, using geography, maps and open source tools (particularly OpenStreetMap) to attract ne...

With the MapInclusive project, we were able to develop a different pedagogical approach to digital inclusion, using geography, maps and open source tools (particularly OpenStreetMap) to attract new audiences far removed from digital technology (computers) while creating social links. This project also enabled us to share this methodology and the associated content with players involved in digital inclusion in France (Chambéry / Rhône Alpes) and Greece (Athens). On the one hand, this approach involved the use of participatory mapping (mapathons), which consists of mapping areas of the globe where geographical data is non-existent or incomplete, using satellite images. For these mapathons, we pair up a volunteer and a migrant in order to help them with the exercise and the computer tool, but also to create social links, mutual aid and discovering others. Although CartONG has been running mapathons for many years, the project enabled SHA to be trained in this new method of digital inclusion and mapping. Finally, the other aspect developed thanks to the project is the construction of a methodology for digital inclusion workshops through the use and navigation of maps and open source tools.

144 people have benefited directly from digital inclusion activities. 5 SHA partner members have been trained in participatory mapping techniques and in conducting digital inclusion workshops. 3 CartONG employees have developed digital inclusion skills, as have 4 volunteers and 3 civic services. Finally, a toolbox (or guide) was drawn up and distributed to players involved in digital inclusion, so that they could adapt their actions if they so wished, or at least enrich them with new approaches. During the workshops (each session lasted an average of 3 hours), it is interesting to note that the use of cards was an excellent way of creating links. Indeed, the participants (migrants) were able to explore the satellite images and find their place of origin, places they had visited or routes they had taken during their exile, or explore places they would like to visit in their host country. These precious moments of exchange were praised by the partner organizations and much appreciated by the participants, who found them a place of respite and exchange.