Best practices of immigrant integration – examples from 5 countries

Best practice examples Best practices of immigrant integration – examples from 5 countries

Good Practice examples of immigrant integration – examples from 5 countries

ISDL

Project ISDL – Integration by Social and Digital Learning Funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union Project no. 2017-1-PL01-KA204-038285

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.

This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the the Commission/National Agencies cannot be held responsible for anyuse which may be made of the information contained therein.

Best practices of immigrant integration – examples from 5 countries by Project Integration by Social and Digital Learning (ISDL) - Erasmus+ , KA2, Strategic Partnerships foreducation adult – Exchanges of Practices - Project no.

2017-1-PL01-KA204-038285 is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Based on a work at https://www.isdlearning.eu/.

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Table of contents Introduction

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ACCESS TO INFORMATION / EDUCATION Infomigrator.pl

Best practice 1

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Ankommen

Best practice 2

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Integreat

Best practice 3

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ReDi School of digital integration

Best practice 4

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HackYourFuture

Best practice 5

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INTEGRATION THROUGH ACTION / CONNECTING & EMPOWERING PEOPLE Cuscus

Best practice 6

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With Bread and Salt. Poles for refugees

Best practice 7

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Kitchen of Conflicts

Best practice 8

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You can sing it! Polish song contest for foreigners

Best practice 9

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Best practice 10

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Timisoara Refugee Art Festival

PLACES TO MEET FREMDE WERDEN FREUNDE - Freunde Salon

Best practice 11

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Give something back to Berlin

Best practice 12

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The Warsaw Multicultural Center

Best practice 13

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BASIC HELP IN INTEGRATION Refugees Welcome International

Best practice 14

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RefugIs - co-host

Best practice 15

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Refugee Law Clinics

Best practice 16

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The charity house

Best practice 17

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Contact us

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Introduction ISDL (Integration by Social and Digital Learning) is an international project exchange of good practices funded by the EU Programme under Erasmus+ KA2.

The project focuses on the situation of the immigrant and unemployed population in different countries, and grows out of the belief that successful social inclusion and

integration depends on the availability of intensive adult learning pathways promoting cultural sensitivity and digital literacy.

Since the end of 2017 the six partners of the project – organisations based in Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Turkey - have collected and exchanged information about the topic of integration in their respective national contexts.

We believe that many important, innovative approaches to adult learning already exist and that we can all profit from seeing what is working well in other countries and contexts.

The aim of the project has therefore been to seek out examples of good practices from organisations and initiatives that have developed creative and well-working methods and practices of integration. Through this research and selection process, we have specifically looked for practices that have shown to adapt well to changing circumstances, keeping a stable and sustainable structure over time. Another important criteria for us in the research was that the examples found offered methods or approaches that could be transferred to and easily applied in different national and regional contexts.

Our project is aimed at anyone working within adult education with a focus on immigrants and the unemployed. Our goal and wish is that this collection of best practices can be used as a source of inspiration for organisations all over Europe that work with and promote the integration of immigrants. Through our findings we are hoping to offer new ideas and impulses for the educational activities they are offering.

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Introduction For an easier orientation through the collection, we have divided the Best Practices Examples into four rough categories: ACCESS TO INFORMATION/EDUCATION practices that enable or improve access to important information for immigrants (info websites, apps, online courses)

INTEGRATION THROUGH ACTION/CONNECTING AND EMPOWERING PEOPLE practices that connect immigrants with local citizens by engaging them in different kind of activities (cooking, singing, cultural exchanges)

PLACES TO MEET practices which provide a place for immigrants where they can gather, get advice, and promote their culture (info points, cultural centres)

BASIC HELP IN INTEGRATION practices which provide basic help and resources for immigrants (help in finding accommodation, work etc.)

The ISDL Best Practice Example collection has been formulated in English and translated into the five national languages of the project partners: German, Italian, Polish, Romanian, and Turkish. It is available here as an Open Educational Resource.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments concerning the content!

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ACCESS TO INFORMATION / EDUCATION Good Practice examples of immigrant integration from Poland, Germany and Worldwide

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GOOD PRACTICE

INFOMIGRATOR.PL ACCESS TO INFORMATION / EDUCATION

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Where: Poland by who? The Other Space Foundation, Homo Faber Association, Interkluturalni PL Association when and for how long? From 2016 till now.

What: It is a website that provides multilingual information service for immigrants, comprehensively answering needs of foreigners migrating to Poland. Aim and mission of this project is to simplify the life of immigrants in Poland, by assuring them convenient and quick access to all practical information and as a result, activating them and enlarging their participation in public life. The intended effects of this project are well informed, integrated, active migrants, and efficient, dynamic discourse of experts. topic: Active Citizenship and Community Building; Cultural Awareness; Urban Sharing Lifestyles; Social Communication Methodology

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

It is an internet platform that provides multilingual information services for immigrants, comprehensively answering the needs of foreigners immigrating to Poland. The aim and mission of this project is to simplify the life of immigrants in Poland, by securing convenient and quick access to all practical information and, as a result, boosting their activity and encouraging their participation in public life. The intended effect of this project are well informed, integrated and active immigrants. The portal contains lots of useful information such as: formal and legal issues concerning staying in Poland; procedures in local immigration offices; social services (government and nongovernment) available for immigrants in 9 of the biggest cities in Poland.

The portal provides information in 5 languages: Polish, English, Russian, Ukrainian, and French.

It also serves as a communication platform connecting immigrants, non-governmental organiza-

tions, public institutions workers and scholars concerned with immigration issues. It promotes the idea of cooperation between people interested (professionally or privately) in immigration.

The website also serves as a source of information about Poland, Polish culture, and the Polish language.

More information on: http://www.info-migrator.pl/en/

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HY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE :

The practice fosters the successful integration of immigrants by providing the most important and basic information needed to start living in Poland.

The portal is an easy to find, well-designed source of information and communication platform.

The main asset of this portal is that it gathers a large amount of key information for immigrants in one convenient place and makes it available in different languages. Another great feature of this website is the quality: it is a verified and reliable source of information - mainly because it is run by professionals.

It provides general information about immigrant policies, legal issues and available government and non-government support for immigrants and local information, for example: contacts to important institutions and organizations that can advise immigrants.

The practice is an example of great cooperation between Polish local NGOs which have united to establish one common website for immigrants.

More information on: http://www.info-migrator.pl/en/

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GOOD PRACTICE

ANKOMMEN ACCESS TO INFORMATION / EDUCATION

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Where: Germany by who? German government with Goethe Institut and Bayerische Rundfunk when and for how long? Released in 2016 What: Access to the information for newcomers topic: Cultural Awareness, Open Government, Digital Education

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

Ankommen is a smartphone application created by the German government to help refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrants in efforts to aid integration within German society.

The application is called "Ankommen", which literally means "to arrive". It is available for both the Android and iOS system, and downloading and using it is free. The application was created in cooperation with the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, the Ministry of Labor, the Goethe Institute, and the Bavarian local radio and television broadcaster.

Ankommen is a welcome app which provides basic information about life in Germany (transport, health care, public services, housing, meals, and immigration procedures). The information provided via the application helps immigrants to better organize their lives in Germany. The app also helps in learning the language (provides a basic German language course), which is a great help to those who do not know German. The application also indicates where to find further help - which local and government institutions support immigrants.

The app is available in 5 languages - Arabic, English, Farsi, French, and German, and does not require an internet connection. The app also provides information about German values and social customs, with tips from other non-Germans who have lived in the country.

More information on: www.ankommenapp.de

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More information on: www.ankommenapp.de

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HY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE :

Ankommen is the best known application for immigrants in Germany - it has over 100,000 users. It is a very helpful tool providing direct help in the most crucial days after immigrants arrive in Germany. The application also provides easy access to information for those immigrants who avoid contact with local authorities, because of the fear of potential deportation.

Downloading the app is a much safer option for them then seeking help in immigration offices.

This kind of apps should be available in every European country. The high number of users shows that there is a great need for services like this.

More information on: www.ankommenapp.de

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GOOD PRACTICE

INTEGREAT ACCESS TO INFORMATION / EDUCATION

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Where: Started in Munich but now available in all German regions by who? Tür an Tür - Digital Factory when and for how long? Since April 2015 What: To help regional administration and immigrants through easy access to information useful for asylum and integration work. topic: Active Citizenship and Community Building; Open Government

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

Integreat is a multilingual, easy to use information app that provides access to information relevant to immigrants, as well as help in learning language and finding a flat or job.

The Integreat application was created as a support for the public administration system. Its aim is to streamline the process of granting asylum or permanent residence to refugees.

The application is a response to the increasing number of refugees in Germany. Between 2015 and 2017 over one million people applied for asylum in Germany. Local authorities faced a huge challenge in processing applications for asylum or permanent residence. The Integreat application is a tool that facilitates the process of legalising one's stay and as such supports both refugees and government employees. Integreat facilitates the flow of information and enables communication in multiple languages.

More information on: https://tuerantuer.de/digitalfabrik/projekte/integreat/

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HY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE :

The app is accessible, easy to use, and available in several languages. It gives refugees immediate access to information, allowing them to take the next steps on the way to legalising their stay, finding a job, or getting benefits from available social assistance without having to wait for an appointment with an immigration officer. The app was created for the Munich local area, but is now widely used in other parts of Germany. In recent years, the application has received many awards and has been recognized by NGOs as a useful integration tool.

More information on: https://tuerantuer.de/digitalfabrik/projekte/integreat/

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More information on: https://tuerantuer.de/digitalfabrik/projekte/integreat/

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GOOD PRACTICE

REDI SCHOOL OF DIGITAL INTEGRATION ACCESS TO INFORMATION / EDUCATION

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Where: Berlin + Munich, Germany by who? ReDi School of digital integration when and for how long? Since 2016 What: To provide tech-interested new-comer-students with valuable digital skills and a strong network of tech leaders, students and alumni to help create new opportunities for all. topic: Active Citizenship and Community Building; Digital Literacy; Digital Education, Open Government

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

ReDI School of Digital Integration is a non-profit digital school offering coding and IT courses for immigrants. It was founded by a team convinced that technology can bring people together to build new solutions to old problems.

They offer a 3-month programme with 1-3 evening classes (2-3 hours) per week, especially tailored to refugees and immigrants. It is taught by volunteers, who are all professionals in the digital industry.

In addition, the students are also given access to a large number of workshops, professional networks, job training and conferences, as well as free online tools for learning digital skills and programming.

The organisation also lends laptops and other programs and materials needed by students during the time of studies, and offers places in co-working offices, so that the students have good places to work, where they can also make new contacts.

Thanks to their connections to and support from the start-up and digital community, ReDI School of Digital Integration has been able to build a strong network of experts offering students high-quality training.

The school was developed through cooperation between the Berlin and Munich tech community and the students. Since then, they have grown into a non-profit social enterprise offering several 3-month ITprograms, workshops, corporate training projects as well as short term summer courses.

More information on: https://www.redi-school.org/

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HY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE :

ReDI School of Digital Integration gives immigrants access to high quality programming courses and at the same time responds to the needs of the German labour market (in 2016 there were over 51,000 new jobs in the IT industry in Germany). It is therefore a very innovative and intelligent solution in the field of integration corresponding both to the needs of the host society and immigrants themselves.

The school provides immigrants with the opportunity to acquire valuable digital skills, gives them the opportunity to meet technology leaders, companies and organizations, and thus increase the real chances of getting an internship or finding a job.

From the start of the project in 2016, 394 participants took part in the project: • Munich: 75 participants from 21 countries • Berlin: 158 participants from 39 countries (mostly from Syria)

More information on: https://www.redi-school.org/

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GOOD PRACTICE

HACK YOUR FUTURE ACCESS TO INFORMATION / EDUCATION

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Where: Amsterdam, Brussels, Copenhagen, Malmo by who? HackYourFuture Foundation when and for how long? Started at the beginning of 2016, still ongoing What: Programming lessons for migrants and refugees topic: digital education, digital literacy, community building, urban sharing lifestyles

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

HackYourFuture is a code school for refugees teaching computer programming. The aim is to empower refugees through coding and give them a chance to find jobs as software developers.

The team of 40 developers (all volunteers) designed a 6-month programme training refugees in web-development. The programme includes: -weekend coding courses -online support of professional programmers -meetings with various tech experts, career coaches -a graduation certificate -support in finding a job after graduation -social networking in the tech world.

Lessons are taking place every Sunday in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Brussels, and Malmo. During

the week the team is coaching and supporting students online with their homework. Throughout the course, students have multiple business visits, masterclasses from various tech experts, and get individual coaching in their career.

More information on: http://www.hackyourfuture.net https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=qFqHXZio6ZM Good Practice examples of immigrant integration – examples from 5 countries

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HY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE:

After nearly 3 years of working, more than 100 students have completed the training.

The acquired knowledge has helped them find a job, or change to a more interesting and profitable workplace. 90% of students have found work in the IT sector. Work is one of the strongest immigrant integration facilitators - it helps immigrants to integrate within society.

The initiative is easily transferable - it started in the Netherlands and then was re-created in other countries and cities.

More information on: http://www.hackyourfuture.net https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=qFqHXZio6ZM Good Practice examples of immigrant integration – examples from 5 countries

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INTEGRATION THROUGH ACTION / CONNECTING & EMPOWERING PEOPLE Good Practice examples of immigrant integration from Italy, Poland and Romania

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GOOD PRACTICE

CUSCUS INTEGRATION THROUGH ACTION / CONNECTING & EMPOWERING PEOPLE

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Where: Trento by who? A network of different associations when and for how long? October 2017 – June 2018 What: An intercultural project to enhance the food traditions through digital culture topic: Active Citizenship and Community Building; Cultural Awareness;

Digital Literacy; Digital Education)

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

The CusCus project is a series of training courses about food, digital technologies, and creative entrepreneurship aimed at integrating immigrants within their local community.

CusCus supports the processes of integration, socialization, and active citizenship of immigrant and local communities (especially women) through a powerful cultural and community value: food.

The initiative is organized in collaboration with a large number of organisations and the support of the University of Trento, Lab Trento and Hub Innovative Trentino.

More information on: http://www.cuscus.org/ https://www.facebook.com/CusCusTrento/ http://www.mediatoreinterculturale.it/trentino-progetto-cuscuscus/ Good Practice examples of immigrant integration – examples from 5 countries

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Training courses are carried out in three main areas: -

Digital technologies: giving the opportunity to acquire basic ICT literacy, ECDL (European

Computer Driving Licence), use of blogs and social media, software and also reuse of disused hardware, use of social media.

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Food: dedicated to those who want to express their creativity in the kitchen, learn the

secrets of the web to convey the recipes, tastes and traditions of their country and develop original business ideas related to food - but not only.

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Entrepreneurship: the focus is on a solidarity economy and on the third sector. Thanks to

suggestions, designing and support creativity can be transformed to successful social enterprises.

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Interculture and Innovation: The project, highly innovative and original, is looking for

better social interaction with people who come from different cultures in order to foster the integration of vulnerable groups such as refugees and asylum seekers. It begins with two activities outside the current global crisis: the kitchen and digital sectors.

From February to April 2018, several culinary workshops have been carried out, led by the Association Food Connects People (total duration of the work: 34 hours), where participants have collaborated together on the creation of dishes.

During workshops participants had a chance to experience team work, express their own creativ-

ity and passion for good food, discover flavours, get to know each other, share and taste dishes prepared by the group (to sum up: culinary team games without borders).

Workshops were open to anyone interested and were conceived as a space where: “everyone is free to express themself in the kitchen without the fear of mistakes or judgement”.

All workshop consist of three main parts: -

Interviews: two weeks before the cooking workshop participants were asked to show their

recipes to organizers - personally or via Skype or ICT tools; -

Cooking workshop (8 hours): preparation of dishes, dinner sharing and finally cleaning up

the venue; -

Feedback moment (2 and a half hours): the morning after the workshop participants meet

to exchange ideas and opinions, share their experience, prepare for the next event.

More information on: http://www.cuscus.org/ https://www.facebook.com/CusCusTrento/ http://www.mediatoreinterculturale.it/trentino-progetto-cuscuscus/ Good Practice examples of immigrant integration – examples from 5 countries

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The workshop were also designed to develop digital skills at various levels: -

use of the internet,

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use of the main online collaboration tools and the most common office software to create

and share various types of documents -

use of Social Media to keep in touch with people, to advertise their business or their hobby

create and manage social media such as Facebook and Instagram, and to create a blog with WordPress in a simple way without relevant digital competences.

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HY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE :

CusCus The CusCus project is one of the winners of the IntrecciPossibili 2017 tender announced by the Fondazione Trentina del VolontariatoSociale and the Non Profit Network Association CSV Trentino.

A large recipe book consisting of all the recipes from the workshops is a success and may be used as a good practice at the domestic level.

The practice is: -easily transferable with the involvement of several associations, stakeholders, private and public bodies but also volunteers - the transferability is fostered by a topic (food) very close to all out hearts.

-transformative as it provides an opportunity to discover Italian culture for immigrants and for Italians - different tastes than the ones they are used to. That’s the perfect starting point towards

better integration.

-sustainable because of the success of the initiative, and its visibility at a local and national level.

More information on: http://www.cuscus.org/ https://www.facebook.com/CusCusTrento/ http://www.mediatoreinterculturale.it/trentino-progetto-cuscuscus/ Good Practice examples of immigrant integration – examples from 5 countries

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GOOD PRACTICE

WITH BREAD AND SALT. POLES FOR REFUGEES INTEGRATION THROUGH ACTION / CONNECTING & EMPOWERING PEOPLE

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Where: Initiative is rooted in Warsaw but influences the whole of Poland. by who? Project started by informal group and continues as NGO - Polish Hospitality Foundation. when and for how long? From 2012 till now What: It is a grassroots initiative aiming to 1)raise awareness about immigrant’s and refugee’s situation, mainly in Poland and Europe; 2) influence migration politics and fight xenophobia, stereotypes and ignorance. topic: Open Government, Active Citizenship and Community Building; Cultural Awareness; Urban Sharing Lifestyles; Social Communication Methodology

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

It is a grassroots initiative aiming to 1) raise awareness about immigrants' and refugees' situation, mainly in Poland and Europe; 2) influence migration politics and fight xenophobia, stereotypes, and ignorance. The practice connects refugees and immigrants who need help with real Polish people who want to help them. It uses values and history, e.g. the idea of Polish hospitality to change the negative stereotype of immigrants in Poland, and decrease “fear of refugees.”

It makes Polish people realize that throughout history Poles have also been refugees and immigrants; therefore they should know how important it is to help. They: •

make social media campaigns promoting Polish hospitality, showing the cases of real

people i.e. immigrants living in Poland •

organise help for refugees and immigrants through small and direct campaigns via social

media

•

inform immigrants about ongoing events organized for them

•

inform about immigrants' needs

•

help immigrants find a place to live.

More information on: https://www.facebook.com/polacydlauchodzcow/ https://www.facebook.com/polacydlauchodzcow/videos/2145025242399147/

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HY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE :

It is a successful grassroots initiative showing that it is possible to organise help for refugees in a very simple way: by connecting people who need help with those who want to help - mainly via Facebook. Just in 2018: •

Found 15 flats for 60 refugees

•

They furnished and equipped 52 flats

•

Organised one-week holidays for 18 refugees families

•

Provided free polish lessons for 60 children

•

Found a job for 34 refugees

•

Provided clothes for 31 children

It also illustrates how to change the negative stereotypes of immigrants - by framing it within national culture through connotations to meaningful symbols. Their movie : “Nasz chleb powszedni” (“Our common bread”) showing refugees making bread in a Polish bakery has 100,000 views on youtube.com.

More information on: https://www.facebook.com/polacydlauchodzcow/ https://www.facebook.com/polacydlauchodzcow/videos/2145025242399147/

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GOOD PRACTICE

KITCHEN OF CONFLICTS INTEGRATION THROUGH ACTION / CONNECTING & EMPOWERING PEOPLE

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Where: Poland, Warsaw by who? The Other Space Foundation & The Foundation for the Multicultural Center when and for how long? From 2016 till now.

What: Kitchen of Conflicts (Kuchnia Konfliktu) is a socially -involved restaurant serving dishes from regions which are or were in conflict. The Kitchen of Conflicts is a project, which is co -created by refugees, enables refugees to get to know the Polish culture and establish close relations with Poles in a safe, friendly and professional environment. By proposing fair terms of employment and training, Kuchnia Konfliktu gives newcomers a better and safer start on the Polish labor market. topic: Active Citizenship and Community Building; Cultural Awareness; Urban Sharing Lifestyles; Social Communication Methodology

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

Kitchen of Conflict (Kuchnia Konfliktu) is a socially committed restaurant serving dishes from regions which are or were in conflict. The Kitchen of Conflict is a project co-created by refugees, enabling them to discover Polish culture and establish close relations with Poles in a safe, friendly, and professional environment. By proposing fair terms of employment and training, Kitchen of Conflict gives newcomers a better and safer start on the Polish labor market.

Kitchen of Conflict gives refugees and immigrants the opportunity to cook for people and earn

money in a secure and professional environment. In the Kitchen of Conflict refugees cook their traditional dishes for customers.

Kitchen of Conflict started as a food truck that moved around Warsaw. It was a grassroots

More information on: https://www.facebook.com/kuchniakonfliktu/

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Kitchen of Conflict started as a food truck that moved around Warsaw. It was a grassroots initiative created by a few people. Nowadays, it is a modern and trendy restaurant in the centre of Warsaw. But it is more than just a restaurant.

They actively cooperate with NGOs supporting immigrants. They also teach their employees the art of professional cooking or the basis of

accounting. Moreover, they help their employees to

get professional support from other NGOs.

More information on: https://www.facebook.com/kuchniakonfliktu/

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HY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE :

Kitchen of Conflict connects refugees and immigrants with Polish citizens through food and cooking. As Polish people say: “the easiest path to the heart is through the stomach” It also promotes multiculturalism by spreading knowledge about different cooking cultures.

Kitchen of Conflict changed the situation of immigrants by providing them a place to work, direct contact with Polish citizens, and support in gaining access to professional services from other NGOs. Kitchen of Conflict has 13 thousand followers on Facebook. The place is highly rated in various restaurant online rankings. They provide high quality food at a reasonable price. The place is well recognized and supported by Poles. The initiative was awarded the best social initiative of 2017

by National Geographic and the best social startup of 2016 and Social Impact/SAP by Ashoka.

More information on: https://www.facebook.com/kuchniakonfliktu/

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GOOD PRACTICE

YOU CAN SING IT! POLISH SONG CONTEST FOR FOREIGNERS INTEGRATION THROUGH ACTION / CONNECTING & EMPOWERING PEOPLE

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Where: Poland, different cities. by who? Domus Orientalis Society when and for how long? Every year from 2016 (3 editions) What: You can sing it! is a Polish song contest for foreigners. The aim of the contest is to integrate immigrants through fun and play. It fosters positive and friendly image of foreigners among Poles. topic: Cultural Awareness

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

You can sing it! is a Polish song contest for foreigners. The aim of the contest is to integrate immigrants through fun and play. It fosters a positive and friendly image of foreigners among Poles. The contest is organized by one NGO every year since 2016. The contest has its own website and is promoted mostly in social media (YouTube and Facebook). Auditions are held in 4 cities: Kraków, Łódź, Warszawa, and Wrocław during which they choose 10 people who take part

in the final contest in Łódź. During auditions they organize free Polish language workshops.

The final concert takes place in Łódź. All activities are recorded, live-streamed and distributed online.

More information on: http://youcansingit.pl/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hSXLK35LmY https://www.facebook.com/youcansingit/ Good Practice examples of immigrant integration – examples from 5 countries

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The contest is organized in a very light and entertaining style. Any foreigner who is brave enough to sing in Polish is welcome to participate.

The contest presents immigrants in a familiar context - they sing Polish songs, they have fun. It changes the negative image of immigrants in Poland, showing that immigrants are not dangerous and not so different from Polish people. It shows that diversity and cultural pluralism is good, valuable, and can enrich Polish society.

More information on: http://youcansingit.pl/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hSXLK35LmY https://www.facebook.com/youcansingit/ Good Practice examples of immigrant integration – examples from 5 countries

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HY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE :

The project is successful because it gives immigrants a chance to be seen in Polish cultural context. It offers a great potential to change stereotypes/shared cultural image of immigrants.

As a founder of the project said: “Song is a powerful cultural medium.” through singing Polish songs, immigrants are placed at the heart of Polish culture. The project is a powerful tool towards establishing a common cultural ground for integration.

There is no research showing the influence of the project on Polish society. The project was

promoted but it was not shown in the public media. In social media the project is not well recognized - it has only 960 likes on Facebook and its videos have around 100 views on youtube.com. Nevertheless the idea is worth disseminating and should be promoted.

More information on: http://youcansingit.pl/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hSXLK35LmY https://www.facebook.com/youcansingit/ Good Practice examples of immigrant integration – examples from 5 countries

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GOOD PRACTICE

TIMISOARA REFUGEE ART FESTIVAL INTEGRATION THROUGH ACTION / CONNECTING & EMPOWERING PEOPLE

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Where: Timisoara , Romania by who? Solidart when and for how long? Timișoara Refugee Art Festival 2018 builds on the first edition that took place in May 2017 in Timișoara, within the NiCeR (www.nicerproject.eu) international project, implemented by AIDRom in partnership with the Timișoara Intercultural Institute and Solidart, financed by the European Comission through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund.

What: The project was a pilot program intended to be an instrument for social inclusion, an artistic approach through which 15 young refugees based in Timișoara, ages 9 to 26, together with 15 youg non -refugees of the same age group, attented 4 months of weekly workshops in theatre forum, film, music, painting and art instalations. topic: Cultural awareness

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

Timişoara Refugee Art Festival is a project aimed at integrating refugees through art. It is a series of artistic workshops (movie, theatre, music, painting) bringing together young people from Timisoara and young immigrants. During the workshops the participants created art together.

Their artworks were presented during the Timisoara Refugee Art Festival. The festival included an exhibition of works, screening of international short films on migration, a concert by Romanian musicians and an academic debate entitled "Standing by refugees" with the participation of students and lecturers from Timisoara University and representatives of the

UNHCR (United Nations Refugee Commission).

More information on: https://solidart.online/proiecte/traf/

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HY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE :

The Festival was well received by the local audience - 150 people participated in the festival events. The festival gave immigrants the opportunity to express feelings and thoughts otherwise hidden. For Romanians, it was possible to discover and experience different cultures.

More information on: https://solidart.online/proiecte/traf/

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More information on: https://solidart.online/proiecte/traf/

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PLACES TO MEET Good Practice examples of immigrant integration from Austria, Germany and Poland

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GOOD PRACTICE

FREMDE WERDEN FREUNDE PLACES TO MEET

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Where: Vienna by who? Verein „Fremde werden Freunde“ when and for how long? Salon – one year, organisation and action - over 3 Years What: Grass-roots initiative for social inclusion topic: Community Building; Cultural Awareness; Urban Sharing Lifestyles

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

Friends Salon is a well organised and welcoming place for immigrants in the heart of Vienna where they can meet and spend their free time. It is a common space for integration. The main idea of Friends Salon is to help strangers get to know each other. It creates an atmosphere of trust and friendship where new ideas can be born.

It is also an innovative laboratory of research on social inclusion. Friends Salon combines leisure activities with research.

Friends Salon provides a common space and organises events which bring together immigrants and other people. They spend time together in different ways: go for a walk, make music, run, sew, cook, discuss and organise events together.

The initiative works mainly through donations. It has more than 40 volunteers, involved in

different initiatives, such as: sport activities (jogging, walking, football), singing and music, cooking, organising lectures, workshops, lessons and more.

More information on: www.fremdewerdenfreunde.at

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HY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE:

The initiative helps immigrants to establish informal relationships with the people of Vienna.

It facilitates the creation of informal support groups.

About 3,500 people took part in the activities conducted in the Salon of Friends. During the 2 years of the Salon's activity, over 500 meetings and events have been organised.

The practice turned out to be a success, confirmed by the number of events and participants. It can also be transferred to other cities and areas with a high number of immigrants who suffer from social exclusion.

More information on: www.fremdewerdenfreunde.at

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GOOD PRACTICE

GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO BERLIN PLACES TO MEET

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Where: Berlin by who? Give something back to Berlin e.V. when and for how long? Since 2013 What: To work for an organic form of integration and grass -root community building through a platform of skill -sharing. topic: Active Citizenship and Community Building; Cultural Awareness; Urban Sharing Lifestyles; Social Communication Methodology

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

Give Something Back to Berlin is an online skill-sharing platform, aiming at building communities and creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds and with different experiences so they can meet and share their knowledge and skills.

On their internet page is a very simple "board" where anyone who wants to offer an activity on a voluntary basis (e.g. free guitar lessons, language classes, sewing meet-ups) or is looking for voluntary contributors for a larger project, can put up a notice.

The platform is open to everyone, but especially newcomers to Berlin - people from all cultures and classes are encouraged to join in - to take part in activities, but also to contribute by offering to teach others things they know.

More information on: http://gsbtb.org/

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The project was founded as a response to the increased cultural and financial segregation in the city, as well as the rise in extreme nationalist political tendencies in Europe.

The aim of the project is to make newcomers active contributors in their cities and create strong

networks for participation and inclusion. They empower people to make the most out of their voice, energy and interests, not as some kind of �last step� in the integration process but as the guiding light.

In their get-togethers the organisers make use of different communication tools and methods, like for example "speed-dating", dialogue, sharing circles etc.

More information on: http://gsbtb.org/

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HY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE :

Give Something Back to Berlin offers an easy accessible space - both digitally and locally for people to meet and exchange experience, knowledge, skills and ideas.

The project fosters an open and non-hierarchical atmosphere where every voice is equally heard and every experience and perspective is valued. It offers the possibility to experience the true feeling of having an important role to play, of being able to contribute through whatever you bring to the group, of being an important part in creating the community.

It has received many awards from the Berlin Senate and at a European level.

More information on: http://gsbtb.org/

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GOOD PRACTICE

THE WARSAW MULTICULTURAL CENTER PLACES TO MEET

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Where: Warsaw by who? Pro Humanum and the Foundation for Somalia when and for how long? From 2014 till now What: The Center was founded to support the multicultural and civic integration of the inhabitants of Warsaw; to make Warsaw the most friendly place for diverse cultures and different nationalities in Poland. topic: Active Citizenship and Community Building; Cultural Awareness; Urban Sharing Lifestyles; Open Government; Digital Education.

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

The centre is a “friendly platform to exchange ideas, realise goals and to get acquainted with different cultures.” They offer different kinds of free services for immigrants: professional legal

advice, free Polish language lessons, free psychotherapy, education, mini grants, a breeding ground for initiatives, multicultural meet-ups, concerts, workshops, exhibitions. They provide space free of charge for work and different kinds of activities. Anyone can rent a space for an event (e.g. workshops, concerts, exhibitions, film screening) or use their offices to work. They are also a platform for the cooperation of many non-governmental organizations. They organise social campaigns promoting multiculturalism and social inclusion e.g. Varsovians are not afraid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfKA1syko-k They are open for anyone who needs help or is interested in multicultural dialogue.

They are financed from the budget of the city of Warsaw and hosted by different NGOs

(changing

periodically). There is easy access to their services through the website where

one can book a space for an event or register to Polish language lessons.

More information on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfKA1syko-k

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The centre is focused broadly on the integration and cultural exchange of all citizens of Warsaw - not only immigrants.

There was a need to have a place in Warsaw where immigrants could come, meet, and not only

get support but also become active, exchange cultural values and integrate with Polish citizens and other immigrants. The centre helps to fight the problem of immigrant marginalization, and actively promotes the idea of multiculturalism and a more cohesive society.

More information on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfKA1syko-k

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HY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE :

The Warsaw Multicultural Centre is one of the best and biggest centres of immigrant integration in Poland. The place is functioning well, and well organised, accessible, and adjusted to the needs of immigrants. The centre offers not only diverse and professional support for immigrants, but also gives them space for their cultural and social activities - space where they can promote their

culture, art, work, business, and get to know other cultures and meet Polish people.

More information on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfKA1syko-k

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BASIC HELP IN INTEGRATION Good Practice examples of immigrant integration from Italy, Germany, Turkey and Worldwide

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GOOD PRACTICE

REFUGEES WELCOME INTERNATIONAL BASIC HELP IN INTEGRATION

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Where: Worldwide, started in Germany by who? International network for refugees housing when and for how long? Since 2014 What: Support of migrants refugees and asylum seekers topic: Urban Sharing Lifestyles

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

Refugees Welcome International is a project based on the idea of sharing and couchsurfing.

The initiative is operating in Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Greece, Sweden, Italy, Romania, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Romania, France, Japan, and Northern Ireland. The initiative connects potential hosts and refugees seeking a place to stay, before they are able to find their own home place. In some countries like Germany, the public office refunds some part of the rent.

More information on: www.refugees-welcome.net

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UCCESS/CHANGES THE PRACTICE MAKE:

Refugees Welcome is an alternative solution to an accommodation problem, purely based on sharing economy ideas. The idea is not only about sharing an apartment with refugees. Housing refugees in private accommodation provides advantages for everyone: refugees are able to live in sound accommodation, learn the language faster, and adjust to a new environment more easily.

The host on the other hand, has the opportunity to learn a different culture and help a person in a difficult situation. So far, the organization helped to match over 1400 pairs of refugees and their hosts.

More information on: www.refugees-welcome.net

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GOOD PRACTICE

REFUGIS - CO - HOST BASIC HELP IN INTEGRATION

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Where: Rome + Naples + Reggio Calabria + Catania + Messina by who? Fondazione Mondo Digitale when and for how long? December 2016 – June 2017 What: Digital literacy programme connecting students with immigrants through knowledge and skill sharing topic: active citizenship and community building; cultural awareness; digital literacy; digital education

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

Refugis co host is a project creating conditions in which secondary school students teach immigrants and refugees to use computers, surf the internet, and take their first tentative steps into the IT world. The project is a result of collaboration between Fondazione Mondo Digitale and Microsoft, which created a training hub inside the school to enable immigrants to learn and develop digital, linguistic, and civic skills.

The Refugis co host project has a clear goal: to integrate through the development of digital literacy skills. The process is based on a peer learning approach as young Italian students teach immigrant learners.

More information on: http://www.mondodigitale.org/it http://www.mondodigitale.org/it/aree-intervento/integrazione-di-migranti/refugis http://www.mondodigitale.org/it/aree-intervento/integrazione-di-migranti/co-host Good Practice examples of immigrant integration – examples from 5 countries

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Thanks to the experience gained by the Fondazione Mondo Digitale in other activities, it was possible to carry out the following activities: •

Train the trainers online

•

Laboratories and workshops, both physical and digital, about civic values, Italian language, ICT basic literacy by manuals and short tutorials,

•

Creation of an Internet Point in the schools involved,

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Launch of a website containing educational content released as Open Source,

•

Organisation of public events to foster the integration of immigrants, refugees and citizens from the host country.

More information on: http://www.mondodigitale.org/it http://www.mondodigitale.org/it/aree-intervento/integrazione-di-migranti/refugis http://www.mondodigitale.org/it/aree-intervento/integrazione-di-migranti/co-host Good Practice examples of immigrant integration – examples from 5 countries

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HY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE :

The project is aimed at refugees, asylum seekers in Italy and secondary school students and foreigners, it involved: •

1000 foreign citizens in training

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3000 asylum seekers and refugees involved in communication events and dissemination

activities •

1000 high school students in the role of social, digital, and cultural facilitators

•

50 local actors involved in the project

The project is: - easily transferable - it is based on willingness to get in contact.

- transformative - it gives students and foreigners a chance to become an active part of the

society.

- sustainable because of the collaboration with local stakeholders - mainly the school.

More information on: http://www.mondodigitale.org/it http://www.mondodigitale.org/it/aree-intervento/integrazione-di-migranti/refugis http://www.mondodigitale.org/it/aree-intervento/integrazione-di-migranti/co-host Good Practice examples of immigrant integration – examples from 5 countries

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GOOD PRACTICE

REFUGEE LAW CLINICS BASIC HELP IN INTEGRATION

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Where: Law faculties at Universities in most major German cities (i.e.

Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich …) by who? Refugee Law Clinics Deutschland e.V, and funded through the German Minister of Federal Integraton (“der Beauftragte der Bundesregierung für Migration, Flüchtlinge und Integration ”) and the Robert Bosch Foundation. when and for how long? Since 2016 as an umbrella association for the ca 30 migration law clinics that were founded in different parts of Germany from 2013 on. what: Legal support system for refugees and immigrants topic: Active Citizenship and Community building, Social communication methodology, cultural awareness

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

The Refugee Law Clinic is a legal support system for refugees and immigrants designed to provide them with free, professional legal advice.

In the Law Clinic, refugees receive professional support and counselling from students of law.

Student advisors attend an educational programme that teaches them the essentials of refugee and foreign law. Since all student advisors working in the law clinic are under constant supervision from highly experienced professors and experts within the field, they can offer legal advice,

even though they still do not step in as attorneys or take another formal role in the asylum processes.

More information on: www.rlc-deutschland.de

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Often the Refugee Law Clinics are the first point of contact for those who cannot afford or are unable to find professional legal advice, as well as for those who don’t know where to turn with their questions. The Law Clinics provide a more simple point of contact, where issues can be formulated and reflected on with advisors that have professional knowledge, but that

encounter the clients not in an administrative, formal way, but instead more personally and open. It makes it easier for the refugees to formulate their questions and problems and find the right steps and directions to take.

Support includes: legal consultations, assistance in communication with public authorities, help in interview preparation during the asylum procedure, and referring refugees to other appropriate counselling centres. Different local Refugee Law Clinics are structured slightly differently, but mostly they all have open hours when refugees can simply drop in for a first informal meeting, or make an appointment.

Refugees seeking asylum in Germany often lack sufficient information regarding the procedure for granting the right of asylum. They are also often unaware of key issues that need to be addressed during the hearing so their individual situation to be acknowledged. The German State provides refugees and asylum seekers with basic legal support within the asylum process, but in the last few years, with the rapid increase of asylum seekers in Germany, the local administration and many other state-run places for advice and counselling are overstretched and refugees are left on their own with urgent questions and a needs for clarification. This can sometimes have frightening effects, with misunderstandings and confusion leading to incorrect information being provided or important legal steps being taken too late, which in turn can lead to unjust or wrong decisions in individual cases of asylum.

More information on: www.rlc-deutschland.de

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HY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE :

This practice covers both an urgent need within the refugee and immigrant community for legal advice, and at the same time provides an unequalled opportunity for German law students to collect important knowledge, skills, and practical experience within an important legal field.

Since 2013 almost 30 Refugee Law clinics have been established in different cities in Germany.

In Cologne, 300 volunteers work in the local Law Clinic alone.

More information on: www.rlc-deutschland.de

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GOOD PRACTICE

THE CHARITY HOUSE BASIC HELP IN INTEGRATION

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Where: Kırşehir by who? Kirşehir Municipality when and for how long? 2010-present What: The Charity House provides refugees with food, clothes, and other basic items topic: Active Citizenship and Community Building; Urban Sharing Lifestyles; Social Communication

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ESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE:

The Charity House provides bread, food, clothing, etc. to approximately 2000 families in Kirsehir. It is a result of cooperation between the local Municipality and local citizens who together founded place and run it on a daily basis. The system is really simple - local citizens regularly support the Charity House: goods such as furniture, brown goods, white goods, etc. are provided by local families and distributed in a form of supermarket for refugees.

Refugees registered in the Migration Office receive a card (looking like a credit card) so they can visit the Charity House periodically and ”buy” those things they need. The Charity House looks like a normal shop and many items available here are completely new. All products and services refugees receive are free. The municipality funded the start of the process and informed residents about the things they can do to contribute

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HY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE:

Charity House serves more than 2000 registered local refugee residents. They are supported monthly. Charity House is supported by more than 1000 volunteers. The initiative connects local citizens with refugees and gives people the chance to help others in need and play an active role in the process.

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Contact us Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments concerning the Best Practice examples!

Project partners: EURO-IDEA FUNDACJA SPOŁECZNO-KULTURALNA www.euroidea.wordpress.com EURO-NET www.synergy-net.info KIRSEHIR IL MILLI EGITIM MÜDÜRLÜGÜ www.arge40.com ASOCIATIA INSTITUTUL PENTRU PARTENERIAT SOCIAL BUCOVINA www.bucovinainstitute.org KNUEPFWERK E.V. FUNDACJA BIURO INICJATYW SPOŁECZNYCH www.bis-krakow.pl

More information about the project on www.isdlearning.eu

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Integration by Social and Digital Learning (ISDL) Erasmus+ , KA2, Strategic Partnerships foreducation adult – Exchanges of Practices Project no. 2017-1-PL01-KA204-038285

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.

This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author , and the the Commission/National Agencies cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein

Free publication

Authors: ISDL projekt partnership Publisher: Euro-Idea Fundacja Społeczno Kulturalna www.isdlearning.eu

Kraków, May 2019 Poland

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