CiSoTRA Declaration
Key information about the project CiSoTRA
- The project partners from Slovenia, Italy, Greece, Germany and Turkey.
- The consortium jointly developed and implemented an innovative methodology to foster the social inclusion of unaccompanied minors in transition to early adulthood (through holistic support networks, which facilitate the transition from the youth support and education system to the adult education and employment system).
- The main activities: initial study – applied research on the situation, national seminars, ECTS courses, short trainings for professionals, workshops for UAM and young adults, the Model of better social inclusion, Monograph book.
- The project involved around 300 professionals from the area of education, labour market, social care, health, security, 200 UAM and young migrants, 60 policy officers and decision-makers, and 800 other (different) stakeholders.
CiSoTRA achievements
- Comparative initial research on the legal and social situation of young refugees in the partner countries and collection of more than 50 good practices.
- Development of a model of coordination of actors for better social inclusion of migrants in transition to adulthood.
- Development of on-line trainings for professionals (4 ECTS courses and 15 short trainings).
- Monograph book.
- Recommendations for professionals to support better social inclusion of UAM in transition to adulthood, with a focus on the needs of UAM and training for professionals that work with them.
CiSoTRA Partners' commitment to support project results and their sustainability
- Partners will foster discussion on the Model of better social inclusion at the national/regional level to find a coordinator in a specific environment.
- Partners will promote the E-platform with online ECTS courses and short online trainings, particularly among stakeholders, and providers of trainings for professionals, to contribute to an increased level of knowledge, awareness-raising and networking.
- Partners will organise trainings and discussions on the topic of UAM in transition to adulthood also in the future (dissemination events).
- HE education institutions will use courses and training materials developed in the project within courses at their institutions – courses will be run internationally.
- Through project outputs and sustainability strategy, partners of CiSoTRA (institutions and experts) remain available to support the professionals working with UAM in transition to adulthood in home countries. With those approaches, we also aim to contribute to the EU Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion (2021-2027).
CiSoTRA policy recommendations on working with migrants in transition to adulthood
Local level
Explanation: A dedicated effort for coordination of the different actors must be made. Ideally, an overall regional integration strategy for refugees is formulated, of which the integration of unaccompanied minors is a part. The various actors must consult each other regularly. Common policy goals and overarching case management are to be implemented. Spaces and opportunities for exchanging practices and sharing insights and experiences among all NGO and state institutions actors are required. These should be independent of temporary changes of party politics and focus on civic participation, including that of migrant populations.
Explanation: The host country presents itself in the shape of the local community. It is critical for young refugees to know the actors and their expectations, responsibilities and opportunities in very concrete terms.
National level
Explanation: The transition of UAM to adulthood is a complex process. It includes adolescence, migration and often a change of the cultural environment. The following elements of a holistic model of inclusion need to be organised: Protection of UAM and young refugees along with all international obligations, but also taking account of the reality of the existence of large populations of displaced young persons with no perspective of returning to a home. Outreach to young refugees to include them in the support systems. Stabilisation of the social and psychological situation to prepare them for the following steps. Orientation on conditions of success in the host society and potential educational and professional pathways to education and employment. Immersion into the regular social fabric of society.
Explanation: In all CiSoTRA partner countries NGOs are at the forefront of care and organising transitions. All policy-making must include the expertise of these actors and leave space for them to develop and exchange expertise and best practices, while at the same time creating a legal and financial framework that assures their independence and viability.
Explanation: Actors in the system need to act according to the needs of a trans-cultural society. More overarching competencies in fields like social support in an inter- to the trans-cultural environment, operating the mechanisms of the complex educational and employment system for migrants, institutional cooperation etc. An understanding of the mechanisms of discrimination according to gender, class and background is required. Methodologies of creativity, culture and arts, such as theatre, creative writing, media production, are proven elements of the orientation of young refugees. Each actor needs to understand phenomena like traumatisation, cultural and biographical re-orientation. For all professionals an in-depth knowledge of the immediate cooperation partner´s logic of action, responsibilities, resources and policies is essential. Also, face-to-face relationships must be built locally to form a capable network of actors which is also effective in addressing emergencies.
European/international level
Explanation: The current indecision and disorganisation of the political framework in all partner countries put all actors in an unfortunate situation: perspectives for youth are unclear, political aims in various fields of policy are contradictory. No clear perspectives and consequently educational and vocational pathways for youth can be developed as a consequence. Frustration and societal disintegration, in some cases aggression and psychological health problems (as depression) follow. Work with the member states to assure safe and legal travel from third countries and between the member states and respect for the right to apply for protection at the EU borders. This is particularly relevant for women. Support for and obligations of EU border states to protect the rights of refugees must be strengthened.
Explanation: The phenomenon of work migration of the third-country national youth needs to be dealt with in more constructive ways. Pathways into legal and safe work must be a priority also for displaced young refugees, i.e. those without the chance of a safe return to a home country. While youth do mostly flee from unbearable local situations and are often affected by violence and prosecution, withholding opportunities for education and work provokes illegality and exploitation.
Explanation: On the operational level many good practices of language learning, socialisation, individualised social work and educational support have been developed in all of the partner countries. Transferring such initiatives requires an extensive effort to describe such practices in English and to exchange the experiences of professionals. International programmes of qualification for staff in the field and field visits must complement theoretical learning. The educational programme, which has been developed by the CISOTRA project, therefore will be continuously updated, expanded and disseminated. Individual elements should be detailed and further piloted. A comprehensive system of monitoring good practices in Europe should be set up and adequately funded.