Author: David Bacon Date: January 2012 Source: New America Media OAXACA, MEXICO — Just before Christmas, the women and children who’d spent 17 months living on the sidewalk outside the governor’s palace in Oaxaca announced they were going home. In the spring of 2010, these refugees abandoned their homes in San Juan Copala, the ceremonial [...]
Search Results for: Cultural integration
The 2011 conference ‘Learning to Live in a Multicultural World: Diaspora and Peacemaking in Europe’ Report
Author: Initiatives of Change International and CAUX-Initiatives of Change, Conference Report Date: 2011 Over the last few years, Europe has become more culturally and religiously diverse. While migration to and from Europe is not a new phenomenon, it has taken on a different form and shape in recent years. It has led to multicultural societies [...]
Migration: A Product of Free Market Reforms
Author: David Bacon Date: January 2012 Source: Americas Program website A political alliance is developing between countries with a labor export policy and the corporations who use that labor in the global north. Many countries sending migrants to the developed world depend on remittances to finance social services and keep the lid on social discontent [...]
Red Cross in Akranes, Iceland
Practitioner from civil society organization Name of Practitioner: Red Cross in Akranes, Iceland Website: redcross.is/akranes Contact Information: Skólabraut 25 a 300 Akranes Akranes, Iceland Phone: + 354 431 2270 Email: steindal@redcross.is Practitioner’s aims, programs of activities and fields of expertise: The Red Cross in Akranes, Iceland is a part of the Icelandic [...]
Tear Down the Walls, Iceland
Tear down the walls! is a project that was designed by the Red Cross in Akranes, Iceland with the purpose of developing strategies and tools to implement policies on immigration, with a special focus on mutual integration, relevant in the municipality of Akranes, Iceland.
IBIS Forum, Melbourne
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the Centre for Citizenship and Globalization present Integration: Building Inclusive Societies Forum Diversity, Citizenship and Social Inclusion Deakin University, under the auspices of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), will bring the UN Forum on Social Inclusion to Australia for the first time: Friday 7 October 2011 [...]
“Galli Galli Sim Sim” Project, India
Galli Galli Sim Sim is a multi-platform initiative that combines the power of multimedia and educational outreach to help children prepare better for school and life. Galli Galli Sim Sim facilitates young Indian children’s basic academic and life skills, while celebrating India’s rich cultural diversity, in order to promote their overall cognitive, socio-emotional and physical development.
Galli Galli Sim Sim integrates a three sixty degree strategy to reach children between the ages of 0-8, especially those that are disenfranchised and under resourced. Broadcast on two of India’s leading channels- Pogo and Cartoon Network, Galli Galli Sim Sim is further supplemented by a radio program aired on All India Radio and community radio stations, extensive community outreach, and new and emerging media such as cell phones and internet. In addition to this, we provide training and create awareness about early childhood care and education to parents, teachers and caregivers using a combination of print, audio visual and social media to ensure a continuum of learning.
The Galli Galli Sim Sim initiative is supported by Turner Broadcasting, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, the MetLife Foundation, Qualcomm, HSBC and the SCHWAB Charitable Trust.
CALL FOR PAPERS :The Changing Face of the Mediterranean: Migrant Women’s Creativity and Constraints (second call) 2011-09-01
The Changing Face of the Mediterranean: Migrant Women’s Creativity and Constraints Edited Volume For the past two centuries, people have emigrated from the Mediterranean in search of a better life. Beginning with the great influx of Italians principally from the South of Italy at the middle of the 19th century, and continuing up until the [...]
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR VIDEO PRODUCER/EDITOR/SCRIPTWRITER FOR A 20-MINUTE VIDEO
Deadline: Sunday August 14, 2011 The UN Alliance of Civilizations: The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) was established in 2005, at the initiative of the Governments of Spain and Turkey, under the auspices of the United Nations. The UNAOC Secretariat, which is based in New York, works with a global network of partners that [...]
IMISCOE 8th Annual Conference: Warsaw, 9 September 2011
Call for papers The local Policymaking of Interculture between national integration policy, diversity, cohesion and development Organised in the context of the Imiscoe Standing Committee on The multilevel governance of migration and integration policy by Tiziana Caponio (FIERI) and Ricard Zapata (GRITIM-UPF) In the context of the Standing Committee on ‘The Multilevel Governance of Migration [...]
Localities Embracing and Accepting Diversity (LEAD) program
Localities Embracing and Accepting Diversity (LEAD) program The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, known as VicHealth, is an independent statutory authority with a mission to address behavioral and social determinants of health. It is located in the state of Victoria, Australia. VicHealth has identified supporting diversity and reducing race-based discrimination* (herein referred to as discrimination) among [...]
Rebuild the Life in the Frontier (Reconstruir la vida en la frontera)
With the project “Rebuild the Life in the Frontier” we seek to give solutions and alternatives to a coercive type of life experienced by migrants living in the Centre of Temporary Stay for Immigrants in Melilla (CETI – Centro de Estancia Temporal de Immigrantes). Trapped in that special camp built to host migrants coming from Africa to the city of Melilla, the so-called “door to Europe,” they wait for their “ticket” to Europe. In some cases, they have to face expulsion back to their home country. Often times, their lives in the city are characterized by segregation and absence of motivation to integrate. The main objective of the project is to reach a better quality of life for migrants through a social action plan that uses Arts and Media. Diverse courses of photography, participatory video, blogging, radio communication, painting and theatre aim to provide participants with instruments to get actively engaged in the life of the city. This allows them to build a life out of the segregation experienced in the CETI.
IBIS partners
IBIS is built on the contributions of a global network of practitioners and partners. Together, we engage in information exchanges and workshops, hold joint education efforts, develop integration programs and learning materials and undertake together joint practical initiatives. We offer shared ownership of the online community for those who contribute in managing the content of [...]
Civic Engagement and Recent Immigrant Communities
Developed through collaboration between NLC’s Democratic Governance project and its Municipal Action for Immigrant Integration program, Civic Engagement and Recent Immigrant Communities provides local officials and other community leaders with a planning and discussion guide for how to start immigrant integration initiatives.
Municipal Innovations in Immigrant Integration: Indianapolis Model, 2000 – 2007
The first issue in the National League of Cities’ Municipal Action for Immigrant Integration American Cities Series, Municipal Innovations in Immigrant Integration: Indianapolis Model, 2000-2007 examines in depth the case study of Indianapolis, Indiana and its efforts to integrate its Latino population.
Hispanic Liaison Office, Richmond, Virginia
In 2004, the City of Richmond created the Hispanic Liaison Office in response to this demographic growth. The Hispanic Liaison Office improves access to city and community services; promotes community information, education and citizen participation; and supports city agencies in developing the capacity to interact, communicate and serve the city’s diverse community. The Hispanic Liaison Office also promotes diversity within the city by sponsoring the Imagine Festival, which highlights Richmond’s diverse community and public safety, as well as by supporting the outdoor ¿Qué Pasa? Festival of Virginia, one of the largest Latino festivals in the state and in the southern United States.
Littleton Immigrant Integration Initiative, Littleton, Colorado
The Littleton Immigrant Integration Initiative (LI3) first appeared in 2003 with the goal of integrating all international newcomers into the Littleton community. Alongside this Initiative, the Littleton government also created the Littleton Immigrant Resource Center, which in 2009 merged with LI3. LI3 works to create a community in which all people feel like they belong by supporting services and programs for local immigrant families, bridging language and cultural differences through cultural and informational events, developing a committed donor and volunteer base and initiating fundraising opportunities. LI3 is always looking to fund new immigrant projects and initiatives.
Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs, San Francisco, California
The Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) promotes civic participation of all San Francisco’s residents and seeks to bridge linguistic and cultural barriers to ensure that these residents have equal access to critical city services. Several initiatives include the Equal Access to Language Services Ordinance; the City and County of Refugee Ordinance; the Immigrant Rights Commission; the Day Laborers Program; and the SF City ID Card.
Immigrant Relations and Integration Services, Santa Clara County and San Jose, California
The Office of Human Relations of Santa Clara County has an Immigrant Relations and Integration Services (IRIS) office that promotes the full inclusion of immigrants in Santa Clara County and works on projects that promote positive immigrant relations and integration services. IRIS strives to improve the lives of immigrants and all residents by recognizing and appreciating the contributions of immigrants, educating all county residents about the backgrounds of and challenges affecting immigrants and fostering a multicultural community.
H.A.N.D.S. Across Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee
H.A.N.D.S. (Helping All Nationalities Diversify Society) Across Chattanooga is an outreach program established in 2010 by the City of Chattanooga’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. While the Office of Multicultural Affairs has a broad focus of eliminating discrimination against all citizens due to race, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability and ethnicity, H.A.N.D.S. is a smaller program that fights discrimination due to national origin only and works to integrate immigrants into the city. H.A.N.D.S. brings together international newcomers with local agencies and service providers to help these new residents become more acclimated to the community.
Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs formalizes relationships between the city and immigrant communities to enrich the diversity of the city. Composed of nine members, the commission’s scope of activities include advocacy, publications, symposia, exhibitions, retreats, concerts, dialogues, debates, conferences, public forums, receptions and meetings. The commission works to encourage the development and implementation of policies and practices intended to improve conditions affecting the cultural, social, economic, political, educational, health and general well being of African and Caribbean immigrants, refugees and asylees residing in Philadelphia. It also works to create public awareness of the rich history, geography and culture of the African continent and to engage members of the African Diaspora and American communities in a dialogue on how to strengthen bilateral relationships.
Office of International Affairs, Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) works to create a multicultural community and to serve all members of the community, particularly new residents. OIA works to integrate immigrants and refugees into Louisville by connecting them to governmental and non-governmental resources and by serving as an information clearinghouse. Louisville provides many services to the immigrant community, including a community language bank for interpreters and translators; social services, i.e. resettlement agencies; English as a second language classes; career opportunities; leadership opportunities that foster interest in and promote educational, civic, and social service activities.
Mayor’s Hispanic Latino Initiative, Durham, North Carolina
Started on July 26, 2002, the Mayor’s Hispanic Latino Initiative seeks to reduce the high number of violent crimes against Hispanics by building a stronger partnership among the Hispanic community, the city government, and police. Strategies developed to reach this goal include increasing the level of police activity in targeted Latino neighborhoods; integrating Latinos into the community by developing neighborhood capacity and breaking down barriers to community services, governmental institutions and employment opportunities; and decreasing potential friction between Latinos and other population groups by promoting understanding of cultural differences.
Immigrant Outreach Program / Community Facilitators Volunteer Program, Austin, Texas
The Austin Police Department’s Office of the Community Liaison has established several programs to increase and facilitate communication between law enforcement and recent immigrants. In 2001, the Community Liaison office kicked off its Immigrant Outreach Program geared toward Spanish-speaking immigrants in response to the high rates of robberies reported against foreign born residents. To address this problem, the department recognized it was essential to improve communication between police and recent immigrants. One way to do this was through a hotline, “Tu Voz,” which receives calls and serves as a referral line for the Spanish-speaking immigrant community. Although the Immigrant Outreach Program managed to achieve many goals, it was eventually canceled in 2004. However, the “Tu Voz” program remains in place.
Hispanic and Immigrant Liaison, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne’s Community Development, Planning & Policy Department created the Hispanic and Immigrant Liaison position in 2009. The liaison works to establish communication with the Hispanic community as well as with the general immigrant community. The liaison provides information and assistance for accessing city services and is involved in community development planning projects that affect the city’s immigrant communities. In addition, the liaison educates the community at large about the changes and cultural issues associated with Fort Wayne’s diverse populations. The liaison works to continuously collaborate, coordinate and organize community events that benefit recent immigrants, refugees and other diverse communities.
Latino Advisory Council, Seattle, Washington
Created in 2003, the Latino Advisory Council to the Seattle Police Department has the objective of building a partnership between the Latino community and the city’s police department. This particular council is assigned a deputy-chief of police, one officer liaison and support staff. The Latino Advisory Council focuses on four key areas: Advising the police department on public safety issues and challenges affecting local Latinos; promoting dialogue that builds trust and confidence between the Latino community and the police; educating and training police officers to be culturally competent; and encouraging Latino community engagement in the Advisory Council and other city programs promoting public safety.
Migrant in Romania
The logo of the project Migrant in Romania The project Migrant in Romania is funded by the European Fund for Integration and is implemented in partnership by the Intercultural Institute of Timisoara and the Association of Refugee Women in Romania. The main goal is to enhance consultation and civic participation of migrants and its main [...]
Safe Integration Project
The Safe Integration Project (SIP) was launched by the Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration (MRCSSI) in London, Ontario, Canada with the aim to prevent family violence within families coming from conflict zones that have experienced pre-migration trauma. SIP provides families and individuals coming from conflict zones with crisis intervention skills and safe [...]
Walk A Mile Concert
Walk A Mile poster Walk A Mile Concert ‘Walk A Mile’ is a concert which celebrates and thanks the selfless work given for the benefit of others. Our internationally renowned, talented and multicultural Australian musicians often perform selflessly for many charities without thought of reward or gain. Some proceeds from ‘Walk A Mile’ will assist [...]
The great internal migration
Internal migrants often face as many challenges as international ones. Challenges they face are often very similar to those of international migrants, including those associated with socio-cultural integration. In the book “Arrival City: How the Largest Migration in History Is Reshaping Our World,” Douglas Saunders explores the migratory movement that is transferring a third of [...]
Challenges and opportunities for Muslim engagement in Germany
In the last few months, Germany has been caught up in an intense debate about the integration of Muslims in the country. Polls show that Germans increasingly see Islam as a foreign element that poses a threat to their style of life. In a policy brief for the Berlin series of the German Marshall Fund [...]
Still not easy being British
Tariq Modood, Director of the University of Bristol Centre for the Study of Ethnicity and Citizenship, has published his new book “Still Not Easy Being British: Struggles for a Multicultural Citizenship”. As a leading authority on these subjects within British academia, Modood describes the growth of Muslim political assertiveness in the context of rethinking multiculturalism [...]
Migration and Child Welfare National Network
Leading organizations in the fields of immigration and child welfare have come together to increase the effectiveness of the child welfare system’s and other corresponding systems’ response to migration issues. These organizations constitute the founding members of the Migration and Child Welfare National Network (MCWNN). The network currently has four main areas of focus, formed into committees, related to migration and child welfare: Policy/advocacy, promising practices, research and evaluation; and transnational relations.
Vancouver, an exemplary diverse city
In an interview to the Canadian news channel CTV, Mayor Gregor Robertson, praised Vancouver’s diversity because it “doesn’t just provide it with an identity and reputation for being welcoming – it’s also the city’s ticket to future prosperity.” By 2031, nearly 60 per cent of Vancouver residents will be visible minorities, up from 42 per [...]
Cameron’s statement on migrant integration and reactions from other countries
United Kingdom’s Prime Minister said on February 5th that State multiculturalism has failed and left young Muslims vulnerable to radicalization. Cameron reminded the necessary active participation of migrants in their communities. “A passively tolerant society… stands neutral between different values,” he said. “A genuinely liberal country does much more. It believes in certain values and [...]
International Network of Migration Institutions
Migration Institutions includes museums and other institutions promoting the public understanding of migration. The current trend in the development of migration museums, named differently worldwide, is an interesting phenomenon, as it may contribute to the creation of a new and multiple identity, at an individual and collective level. UNESCO and the IOM have decided to work together to promote exchange of information and experiences on the history of immigration and the memories of migrants, notably through helping to set up and develop museums in receiving countries. This kind of museum would, in particular, help collect, safeguard, highlight and make accessible to the general public certain elements relating to the history and culture of immigration, and to the process of integration of migrant communities.
Cities of Migration organizes webinar on migrants’ health
Cities of Migration has organized a 60 minute webinar on: Healthy Communities: Improving Immigrant Access to Healthcare. Staying healthy means knowing when and where to go for medical help and having access to experts who can speak your language, culturally and linguistically. The webinar explores innovative strategies for improving access to healthcare in immigrant communities [...]
School Contest ”Youth, you will succeed!”
the Foundation Bertelsmann initiated in 2010 the project ”Eres joven, ¡triunfarás!,” – or in English ”Youth, you will succeed.” This project aims to promote integration of students with a migrant background; to raise awareness among youth and mainstream society about the importance of integration; and to work towards equal opportunities in the educational context.
Sindicada – COMRàdio
Sindicada – COMRadio Sindicada – COMRàdio Sindicada is an online platform that allows the exchange of audio and information among the 140 radio stations members of Xarxa COMRàdio. These radio stations are located in Catalonia, Spain and are associated in the “Consorci de Comunicació Local -CCL” (Communication Municipal Consortium). Sindicada offers a rich variety of [...]
Mexico City wins the World Best Mayor Prize 2010
Cities and mayors are at the front line of integration challenge, and active involvement of local governments in integration of migrants enables progress, innovation and development. Mayors’ experience in managing cultural diversity must feed into policy making at national level. The think tank City Mayors Foundation launched the 2010 World Mayor Project in the spring [...]
Refugees into Schools
Refugees into Schools aims to increase children’s understanding of why people are forced to become refugees and of the impact of war and persecution. It does this by supporting refugee volunteers to share their experience of conflict and seeking asylum here in the UK. Through this activity the project supports schools in their statutory duty to promote community cohesion. The project focuses on London which is a diverse, multi-ethnic city including a significant refugee population of both adults and children. Public perception of refugees is, however, often distorted by misleading or inaccurate reporting of what it is to be a refugee.
Nomination call for Paul Yuzyk Award – Canada
Nominations for the third annual Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism can now be sumbitted. If you know a Canadian individual or organization that deserves to be recognized for his or her contributions to multiculturalism, diversity, and the integration of cultural communities and new Canadians, you can now nominate. The deadline for 2011 Paul Yuzyk Award [...]
Integration through rites of passage
Rites of passage can be found in every culture. They can have biological or cultural roots. They constitute an important example of exclusion/inclusion, discrimination/integration processes. Understanding these rites contributes to deconstruct wrong perceptions about ethno-religious identities. “Rites of Passage as a means for interculturality” consisted on 20 workshops organized in welcoming classrooms of Luxemburg. Around 120 youth from 12 to 17 years old have raised their awareness on the issue, half of them with a migrant background from Cape Verde, Iraq, Afghanistan, Nepal, China or Kosovo. Workshops employed the methodology of diversity education.
Gypsy World audiovisual project
Maranatha Federation is a non profit organization that aims to promote integration, rights and culture of Roma. Its main objective is to improve education and socio-economic background of Roma in the region of Valencia (Spain). Maranatha also promotes Roma culture and identity, as well as their integration in the context of main stream society. Since [...]
Language requirements in UK: migration control or integration policy?
UK immigration minister Damian Green has recently spoken to the BBC about the new English tests that will be required for spouses and partners of migrants. To date, the Ministry of Immigration in the UK justified the language policy to the public by talking about the role it will play in promoting integration of migrants. [...]
Health Initiative of the Americas (HIA)
Health Initiative of the Americas (HIA) coordinates and optimizes resources in the United States, Mexico, and other Latin American countries to increase access to and use of health services, expand health insurance coverage, improve health outcomes, reduce health disparities, enhance the cultural competency of health care personnel, and implement innovative strategies to address unmet health needs of the Latino-origin population living and working in the United States.
Philosopher Habermas on migration and multiculturalism in Germany
Prestigious philosopher Jürgen Habermas, professor emeritus of philosophy at Goethe University in Frankfurt expresses his concerns about politicians that “can divert the social anxieties of their voters into ethnic aggression against still weaker social groups.” Habermas believes that integration of Muslim Turkish migrants and their descendants has generally been a success in Germany. Although, in some economically depressed areas there is certainly a problem of isolation from mainstream society.
Merkel on mosques in Germany
A news item from the Migration Policy Group features excerpts from a interview with Chancellor Angela Merkel, in which she points out that integration is an important task for German people facing immigration. Germans need to accept that immigration is changing the character of the country. Indeed, “mosques will be a more prominent part of [the] urban landscape than before.” Merkel reminded that the German constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Respect and tolerance can only be guaranteed if laws and all articles of the constitution are respected.
A Deportation Love Story – Independent Feature Documentary Film
This feature length documentary gets to the heart of the U.S. immigration system. After 18 years in America, Tony and Janina Wasilewski’s family is torn apart when Janina is deported back to Poland, taking their 6 year old son Brian with her. Set on the backdrop of the Chicago political scene, and featuring Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez at the heart of the immigration reform movement, this film follows the Wasilewski’s 3-year struggle to be reunited, as their Senator Barack Obama rises to the Presidency.
With a fresh perspective on the immigration conversation, this film tells the untold human rights story of Post-9/11, that every undocumented immigrant in America faces today, with the power to open the conversation for change. The film is produced by Ruthless Films (Alma, Lipstick & Dynamite) in association with Kartemquin Films (PBS immigration series The New Americans, Hoop Dreams, In the Family). Anti-immigrant sentiment in the U.S. is rampant. It is often referenced as the new white supremacy movement. And while undocumented migrants contribute to the economy more that they ‘take’, they are the growing scapegoat of economic downturn.
Roma SOURCE Project
Roma Source is a Europe-wide project to improve both the lives of Roma people and the local communities they live alongside. The project is being led by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Migration Partnership. It brings together eight organisations from six countries across Europe: UK, Italy, Hungary, Greece, Bulgaria and Spain. The partners in the project include regions of Europe which are traditionally home to Roma communities as well as those which have more recently become a destination.
UN Secretary-General warns against the “policies of discrimination and exclusion” in Europe
UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon addressed the European Parliament on the 60th Anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights. In his speech, Ban Ki-moon acknowledged that Europe has been example of peaceful change through ever-closer integration and of respect to Human Rights. However, he showed his disappointment and concern on the situation of migrants in [...]
Challenges of migrant women in ageing societies
The FEMAGE project has released the report “Immigrant Women and their integration in ageing societies” . Coordinated by the Bundesinstitut fuer Bevoelkerungsforschung and funded by the European Commission, the general objectives of FEMAGE were “to generate and gain knowledge about the experiences, living conditions, and expectations of third country immigrant women regarding their migration and [...]
Mexico City’s new policies on interculturality and integration
Mexico City’s future intercultural strategy was discussed in a forum that took place in the city at the end of August. As a result, Mexico City is in the process of adopting a law titled “Hospitality, Intercultural Attention to Migrants and Human Mobility in the Federal District”. Mexico City is one of the most diverse [...]
Ireland’s Intercultural Education Strategy
The Strategy aims to ensure that a) All students experience an education that “respects the diversity of values, beliefs, languages and traditions in Irish society and is conducted in a spirit of partnership” and b) All education providers are assisted with ensuring that inclusion and integration within an intercultural learning environment become the norm. It is designed to be relevant to the full spectrum of education provisison, from ECCE to lifelong and further learning, due to the commonality of the findings of the sectoral consultations. The Strategy is firmly evidence based, so that it acknowledges existing good practice in Ireland and seeks to build on this to enhance the development of an intercultural, integrated and inclusive learning environment, based on an evolving attitude.
Youth and Integration in New Zealand – Report
The Centre for applied Cross-Cultural Research and the Va’aomanu Pasifika Victoria University of Wellington has issued a report on Youth and Integration. The report summarizes the findings of the research project Youth Voices, Youth Choices: Identity, Integration and Social Cohesion in Culturally Diverse Aotearoa/New Zealand (YVYC). The project aimed to “engage youth from diverse ethnic, [...]
Multicultural center Sweden
My name is Aline Cordeiro Andersson. I live in Sweden. My project is simply about the better integration of immigrants in the country. My articles were published twice and my municipality received my project with great interest. Örnsköldsvik’s Diversity Center will be a good example in all the Nordic countries about positive cultural exchange and migration. It will offer seminars with social workers and ordinary immigrants (and refugees), there should be an open videoroom showing films from around the world and there should be books that everyone can read about different countries. There will be a knowledge center. This project is intended not only for Örnsköldsvik, but for the whole of Sweden and even Europe.
OnePeople.sg
OnePeople.sg organises the annual flagship HarmonyWorks! Conference, targeted at students from Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges (JC), Institutes of Technical Educations (ITE), Polytechnics, Madrasahs and International Schools. The objectives of the conference are: To heighten participants’ awareness of cross-cultural understanding/ engagement and its implications on the local, regional and global community; and to provide the participants with multi-faceted views for the need to go beyond the comfort of one’s ethnic group and immersing in Singapore’s cultural and religious diversity. HarmonyWorks! Conference 2010 bearing the theme “Inte-GREAT-ion – How Will You Embrace Diversity?” was held at Nanyang Polytechnic on 10 July 2010. The Conference this year engaged participants in discussions on current trends and issues relating to diversity and integration in Singapore.
The Festival of Indian Culture in Romania – “Namaste India”
The project has as the purpose to promote the Indian culture in Romania through an event which presents the multifaceted aspects of this incredibly rich and diversified culture (spiritual, artistic, travel, culinary, etc.).
The organizers intend to reduce the cultural distance between two societies that are so different, to discover common values, to encourage multiculturality and to create a symbolic space for togetherness for the Indian migrant community in Romania and the Romanian social space.
The Indian community in Romania translates as an enclave of mystery, a space of exotism and fascination, its rich values being worth promoting. Romania is already known as a space where the Indian culture is loved and admired, raising enthusiasm and interest.
Migration and Integration in Rio de Janeiro
Rio is notable – beyond any other Brazilian city – for the level of inter-ethnic mixing evident in the streets and public places. Brazilian associations believe that inter-ethnic conviviality is the default position in Brazil and as drugs and economic inequality are gradually brought under control it would become more apparent to outsiders. In general , it is the cities of the south which are both experiencing the highest level of migration and are showing the greatest propensity for innovation in order to solve the problems of growth and integration.
Migration and Integration in Cairo
In the last decades, Egypt has increasingly become a destination country for irregular migration as well as a transit country for migrants coming mainly from Sub-Saharan Africa en route to Europe, transiting through Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. Three kinds of migrants arrive to Egypt: asylum seekers, internal migration from Upper Egypt and migrants from other countries that use Cairo as a stepping stone before emigrating to the EU.
Migration and Integration in Singapore
the City is now is a true melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Arabic communities. With four official languages (English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil) and an impressive number of religions practiced (Buddhism and Taoism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, and 15% with no religious affiliation), Singapore is a true example of a cosmopolitan City.
Irish Churches together in the promotion of integration and diversity
The Irish Inter-Church Meeting, representing Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox churches, affirmed its commitment with integration of migrants, multiculturalism and diversity in the country. The statement that sets out 10 specific commitments was issued yesterday in Belfast. Some of the commitments include “to recognise and appreciate cultural and ethnic diversity as gifts of God”; fight against [...]
Implementing the Principles of Multiculturalism Locally
The Western Australian Government has produced a practical guide to assist local governments improve their responsiveness to the increasingly diverse needs of communities in Western Australia. The ‘Implementing the Principles of Multiculturalism Locally’ was produced by the Office of Multicultural Interests, Department of Local Government. It is a practical tool to assist local governments to plan and deliver services that are inclusive of the needs of residents from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The guide includes a Multicultural Planning Framework, explanation of terms and case studies highlighting the innovative multicultural programs and experiences of several Western Australian local governments.
Sports Without Borders Foundation
The Sports Without Borders Foundation aims to foster accessible, multilingual resources and services, funding pathways, direct financial support, training/mentorship programs and sponsorship contacts to refugee and migrant communities in order to empower newly-arrived Australians to develop an identity and sense of active belonging.
AkiDwA Migrant Women’s Health Project
AkiDwA Migrant Women’s Health Project Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) focuses on conducting research on the health needs, in relation to FGM, of African/Migrant women in order to improve and inform service delivery and to influence mainstream policy. AkiDwA estimates in 2010 that there are over 3,170 women living in Ireland who have undergone FGM and over 11,500 women living there from FGM practicing countries.
A FGM Health Forum was recruited and created and acts as an expert advisory group to the Project by means of sharing information and networking. A preliminary estimate for the number of women by country of origin and age group who are resident in Ireland and living with FGM was calculated using 2006 census data and published and updated in 2010. Collaboration with Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, MSc Women’s Health to write the first ever Irish handbook on FGM entitled “Female Genital Mutilation: Information for Health-Care Professionals Working in Ireland” it was launched in January 2009. Over 1,400 copies of the Handbook have been distributed in Ireland and internationally.
Links: Cities of the World
<< Back to Useful Links This draft list of links is provided for your convenience. Please do contribute to develop this section (and keep it updated) by sending us relevant links and possible updates. Kyoto U.S.A. Lyon Integration (G.I.P.I.V) Observatorio de las Migraciones y de la Convivencia Intercultural de la Ciudad de Madrid Mayor’s Office [...]
Municipal Action for Immigrant Integration
The MAII of the National League of Cities promotes civic engagement and naturalization among immigrant communities in cities throughout the U.S. Two program components promote immigrant integration: The NewCITYzen Naturalization Campaign focuses on highlighting the many benefits of naturalization – voting rights and beyond. Cities will have the opportunity to use the Campaign Toolkit to launch naturalization campaigns in their communities. The Campaign Toolkit is available to NLC member cities. The CITYzenship Community Initiative is designed to help city officials establish working relationships with immigrant communities and organizations.
The difficult integration of Chinese migrants in Africa
In this article published by the chinese media website Danwei, Tessa Thorniley explores the reasons and consequences of Chinese migration in Africa, interviewing migrants and locals in Windhoek, Luanda, Beijing and Shanghai. Thorniley describes how the rapid growth of small Chinese-owned businesses is viewed by locals with suspicion and, in some cases, hostility. The estimated [...]
Refugees Building a Life Through Sport
The Western Bulldogs Football Club in Melbourne, playing in the elite Australian Football League, is committed to helping refugees and other disadvantaged settlers make a new life in Australia. This is achieved through its community arm “Spirit West Services” with a focus on building smarter, engaged, healthier and ‘sustainable’ communities. The aim is to encourage education, employment, strong families and a healthy life style through sport. The Club is committed to connecting new settlers with their community and is active in promoting civics through the hosting of a Refugee Week Australian citizenship ceremony.
Links: Cities and Local Governments Initiatives
<< Back to Useful Links This draft list of links is provided for your convenience. Please do contribute to develop this section (and keep it updated) by sending us relevant links and possible updates. Big Cities Initiative – The Hague Process on Refuge The Big Cities Initiative seeks to take up the issue of migration [...]
Links: UN Agencies and International Organizations Initiatives
<< Back to Useful Links This draft list of links is provided for your convenience. Please do contribute to develop this section (and keep it updated) by sending us relevant links and possible updates. Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (CMW) The CMW is the [...]
Links: Research, Academic Institutes and Foundations
<< Back to Useful Links This draft list of links is provided for your convenience. Please do contribute to develop this section (and keep it updated) by sending us relevant links and possible updates. Academic Migration Institutes California Community Foundation Center for Migration Studies New York (CMS) The CMS is a non-profit organization, founded in [...]
Australian broadcaster committed with multiculturalism
The Australian network SBS renews its commitment to ethnic communities. The board members of the multicultural and multilingual network “have attended a round of private dinners with ethnic community leaders in several states to garner their views on directions for the network.” This attention to communities’ needs contributes to their integration and reflects the diversity [...]
Links: Civil Society Initiatives
<< Back to Migration & Integration links This draft list of links is provided for your convenience. Please do contribute to develop this section (and keep it updated) by sending us relevant links and possible updates. Centre de Développement Socioculturel The CDS promotes self sufficiency among migrants from African background in Switzerland. Common Values Initiative [...]
Cultural events for intercultural dialogue
Learn About Us Through Culture (LAUTC) is a project based on a learning methodology developed by UNESCO called “Four Pillars of Education” which promotes participatory active learning. LAUTC aims to develop good practices applicable at EU level that values cultural events and their response to migrants and nationals’ intercultural needs in the local communities and involve migration stakeholders in the process.
Mentorship Program for Ethnic Youth-at-Risk
The London InterCommunity Health Centre (LIHC) operates an innovative program in partnership with several local organizations of London, Ontario, Canada. The Ethno-Racial Mentoring Program matches 80 young people with mentors that will address their specific integration needs. The program aims to engage the young participants in the community as a way to help them step [...]
IOM Member States discuss Migration and Social Change
The second intersessional workshop of the International Dialogue on Migration was held 19-20 July 2010 in Geneva. Titled “Societies and Identities: The Multifaceted Impact of Migration,” this workshop continued the year-long overarching theme chosen by the IOM membership, “Migration and Social Change.” A total of 178 participants attended the workshop, including a wide variety of [...]
October 2010 Conferences on Migration in The Hague
For Cities of Migration, integration is a critical dimension of urban prosperity and growth. The October 3-4 International Cities of Migration Conference will engage city leaders, migration experts and local practitioners in a practical dialogue and exchange of ideas to inspire renewed urban leadership and new thinking on migration. More information on Cities of Migration [...]
Soccer contributes to integration in Australia
The Mock World Cup in the city of Hume in Australia promotes the participation of soccer players with different backgrounds and cultures. Immigrants from eight countries representing Nigeria, Nepal, China, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Eritrea, Tanzania and Sudan took part in the event. The initiative contributed to overcome language, cultural and social barriers with the universal language [...]
Migration and Integration in the UNAOC Rio de Janeiro Forum
3rd Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (28-29 May 2010, Rio de Janeiro): a network of political and corporate leaders, civil society activists, youth, journalists, international organizations, and religious leaders convened and agreed on joint actions to combat prejudice and build the conditions for long-term peace. The working session Building Partnerships for the [...]
New & Emerging Communities Leadership Training
This practice seeks to strengthen the leadership skills and knowledge of existing and emerging leaders in recently arrived refugee communities in Victoria Australia, Communities include Burmese, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Liberian, Sudanese, Iraqi, Afghan.etc. The program provides 4 one-day leadership workshops each year on subjects like media, governance, financial management, advocacy, community development etc. The project is due to be formally assessed at end 2010 but participant surveys indicate high levels of satisfaction with content and presentation…
Family services for Refugees
Family services – rules of engagement While we draw alongside refugees to help them and their families settle successfully in Australia we do this by honouring and hearing their story as it is told. We respect the heritage of each individual, community and culture and believe that each person can harness his or her own resources. We accept that for him/her a fact is a fact and their perception is reality. The power of imparting information remains with them. In any individual or group process we work to empower by taking time to sit quietly and wait expectantly- this helps build safety, being open to hear about crisis in the refugee’s terms, being with without becoming overwhelmed by fear, not passing judgment, proceeding at the refugee’s pace, trusting, not asking too many…
Programme “Mentorat Emploi Migration”
The MEM aims to promote the contribution of migrants to the host society as to the professional competencies they bring, helping them to integrate themselves in their field of competences. The programme addresses extra-European migrants with professional qualifications (experience and/or education terminated) of all fields. It was launched Feb. 2010 as a « pilote project » for 3 years in two Swiss cantons : Vaud and Geneva. It gets mainly public financial support (Federal office for migration, 2 cantonal officies for integration of migrants), as well as some additional private support (private foundations). As a mentoring programme the MEM offers a personalized coaching by a professional working in a specific field to a migrant belonging to the same field of work. The intercommunication…
PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival on Migration and Diversity
PLURAL+ provide young people with an effective platform to express themselves on key migration and diversity issues, and give them the opportunity to reinforce the belief of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) that youth are indeed powerful and creative agents of social change.
Foundation for Pluralism
I cannot be safe when others around me aren’t, I cannot have peace, when others around me don’t. It is in my selfish interests to take the responsibility to work for a better world so all of us can co-exist in relative harmony. The world is changing quite rapidly, while conflicts continue to rage, a new dimension is emerging vividly and growing strongly every day. Indeed, the world is moving towards a new paradigm of “Co-existence” also known as “Pluralism”. Pluralism is nothing more than an adjustment in one’s attitude towards others; it is indeed respecting the otherness of other and accepting the Genetic (God) given uniqueness of each one of the seven billion of us. If we can learn to accept 7 billion unique thumb prints and understand the existence of 7 billion DNA compositions, then why not accept the uniqueness of 7 billion of us? If we world. My role as a peace maker is to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill…
Fostering Integration during Early Childhood
It is the task of integration to recognize risks and potentials early and to lower barriers through adapted measures. In this context children of migrants need to be able to take ad-vantage of the early childhood education and coaching.
The Federal Office for Migration and the Federal Commission for Migration have launched together the project “Fostering Integration during early childhood”. The goal of the project is to help migrant parents and their children to better reach the services offered in early child-hood development. In addition, the intercultural qualifications of the persons running those services will be improved. In the period from 2009 to 2011 a total number of 56 innovative projects are supported through the integration funds of the Confederation…
Language training for migrants
The goal of this project is to guarantee that the offer of language courses for migrants reaches quality standards which are nationwide comparable and correspond to the learning needs. The Federal Office for Migration is developing a frame-concept for language promotion for migrants. This concept develops instruments which help to asses standards of language levels. These instruments will be made available to the partners in the cantons which in their responsibility will ensure the quality of language training courses in their regions. So far the Institute of Multilingualism of the University of Fribourg (CH) has developed a “Frame-curriculum for fostering language skills for migrants”. Up to 2011 further instruments to improve the language training and to verify the communicative competences of migrants will be developed.
Projets urbains
The Swiss federal program, “Projets urbains” aids eleven chosen smaller and mid-size municipalities to take up the challenge of multicultural diversity of their communities. To reach this goal, specific measures are discussed with participation of the population and then put into practice. Projects are developed in the following fields: urban development, social work, housing, sports, discrimination and fostering integration. The federal support is not only of financial nature. A common platform allows for exchange of experiences among the various partners and municipalities. The federal agencies also coach the projects individually and offer professional help. The program runs over a pilot phase between 2008-2011. Depending on the results of the evaluation, the Federal Government will decide upon a follow-up of this program…
Nansen Dialogue Network
Practitioner from civil society organization Name of Practitioner: Nansen Dialogue Network Website: http://www.nansen-dialogue.net/ www.facebook.com/nansendialoguenetwork Contact Information: Nansen Dialogue Network Coordination Unit Bjørnstjerne Bjørnsonsgt. 2 N – 2609 Lillehammer – Norway Norway & Western Balkans, Phone: +47 61 26 54 00 Email: contact@nansen-dialogue.net Practitioner’s aims, programs of activities and fields of expertise: [...]