With the project, we strengthened the competences of mentors in the field of informal learning methods, which are related to intercultural learning, the development of belonging to a new cultural environment and social activation - the inclusion of young immigrants and refugees in sustainable tourism. In the Terra Vera association, we are included in the European network of Migrantour cities. On intercultural walks, visitors are presented with the effects of migration on the cultural heritage of cities in the past and present. In 2019, we established three intercultural itineraries in Ljubljana with guides from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Palestine, Croatia and Colombia. With a walk, we discover the hidden sides of cultural monuments and sights. In the period before the start of the epidemic, we noticed that more and more young people were interested in this field. Some were interested in the role of a guide, while others saw this initiative as a way of integrating into a new cultural environment, finding spatial connections between the culture they bring and the new environment. The project was not intended 'only' for immigrants and refugees, but also for young people from the local environment and beyond - by discovering intercultural influences on the markets and streets together with the guides, they themselves broaden their horizons and at the same time reduce stereotypes and prejudices. In this case, direct contact and a positive mutual experience are definitely decisive.
Considering the growing social needs, we wanted to include as many young people as possible in this initiative, but we were aware that the existing methods and techniques of getting to know the city had to be adapted in a way that would be accessible to young people and in accordance with the strengthening of eight key competencies. Some of the already qualified intercultural guides already have experience in working with young people, and with the project we wanted to enable them to strengthen their competence and knowledge for the integration of young immigrants and refugees in this area. The methods of integrating young immigrants and refugees based on the development of belonging to a new environment contributes to the development of new narratives about migration and is also relevant for other organizations and the strengthening of the sector, as it contributes to active participation in society. With the project, we developed intercultural educational methods at the national and European level and consequently reduced the impact of discrimination and intolerance. At the same time, we spread the recognized and award-winning Migrantour methodology as an innovative and sustainable tool for intercultural integration and education with the aim of turning the migrant 'crisis' into a new opportunity for the future.
In this way, we developed the potential and entrepreneurial possibilities of the target group and enabled the exchange and implementation of tools for the social integration of immigrants and refugees, which work effectively in the environment of the partner organization. After the visit, we included the acquired tools of informal learning directly in the activities of the guided walks that we carry out, and in this way presented them to the general public, other organizations and stakeholders.
FULL PROJECT TITLE
NEW ROOTS - Migrantour intercultural walks building bridges for newcomers active participation
COORDINATOR
Terra Vera Society
PARTNERS
Fondazione ACRA (Italy)
TIMELINE
January 2018 - December 2019
PROGRAM/ SUPPORT
Ministry of Culture