In this time where immigration, tolerance and peaceful coexistence are becoming a real challenge to Europe, it is vital to implement actions that focus on countering xenophobia, extremism and violence.

This activity did that and at the same time explored initiatives and actions that gave focus to the promotion of  alternative discourses on the values of social inclusion, integration, respect and acceptance, as pillars for a democratic society.

The target group for the activity were workers and leaders from immigrant youth organizations and youth organizations working with immigrant young people, youth leaders active in youth organizations, community organizations of immigrants, sports clubs, cultural associations, and the formal educational sector. The actual participants in the end were educators, primary school teachers, youth leaders and activists, sports leaders, and artists. This combination contributed to a rich exchange and helped in creating a space for mutual learning and sharing of good practices.

The need for the activity was identified through the daily work of different organizations and institutions. Through their work it was clear that many of those from immigrant backgrounds lacked the needed knowledge, skills and tools to contribute to the building of a more integrated and just society. It was also identified that many of the organisations and institutions themselves needed support and development for working with immigrant young people.

This activity was designed to contribute to these needs. The tools and strategies gained and the knowledge acquired during the activity would empower and enable the organizations and the young people in their fight against discrimination, racism and exclusion. The activity was in line with the values and principles of the Council of Europe; the promotion of inclusion and active citizenship. The learning process was based on non-formal learning.

The aim of the activity

The main aim was to equip the young people and organisations with the tools to identify discrimination and plan strategies to build a tolerant and inclusive society from their own organizational contexts.

The activity consisted of a training course on anti-discrimination tools, with the focus on discrimination experienced by young migrants in the Basque country but also in other regions in Spain. The participants were introduced to the concept of discrimination, its types and expressions as well as to analysis on its causes. Based on these understandings, the focus was on how to develop awareness-raising activities to fight discrimination and exclusion. The experiential activities aimed to put the participants in the shoes of others so they could gain some understanding of how others experience discrimination and exclusion. The sessions on tools and strategies contributed to one of them main objectives of the seminar, which was to provide practical tools.

The activity strongly engaged the group and led to them becoming committed not only to the subject but to each other as a group as well. The activities of the training course and the group process empowered the participants and prepared them to work as multipliers. The activity fostered friendships and saw them doing actions together beyond the actual training course. The approach, commitment and leadership of the organisers is to a large extent responsible for the ongoing success of the activity.

The main activity was followed-up with a series of meetings. In the follow-up, just after the training course, there were a number of sessions in the participant’s organizations. Here the participants shared the gained knowledge and acquired skills with their fellow members and colleagues. The team also went to the local primary and secondary schools to share with them the importance of peaceful intercultural coexistence, tolerance and acceptance. There was a whole day working meeting with the participants where a deeper evaluation of the training was conducted. This meeting also explored the possibilities for a follow-up activity for the future. The activity would be directed at the public; schools, youth organizations, institutions, the media, and the general public. It is envisaged that this would be an awareness campaign.

  Innovation and Impact

The innovation here was to target and succeed in recruiting young people who are new to this subject area, both from migrant communities and the ‘host’ Basque community working in educational activities. The diversity of the target group was an added value for the activity since it created a space for dialogue on levels not normally experienced.

Innovation was also in the location of the activity. It took place in one of the most marginalized areas of Bilbao. This called attention to the stereotypes and prejudice suffered by the people living there. The local community would observe this group of young people working there each day, this in turn served to sensitize those living there to many of the issues the group was exploring.

Sessions such a the city tour were created with a motive for raising awareness and to educate the participants with regards the problems and challenges faced by people living in different parts of the city. Through this they became aware of the important diversity in their city and were made to understand the importance of educating others and focusing their work on fighting discrimination and creating opportunities for all.

Another innovative aspect was the nature of the activity. It focused on providing tools and strategies for youth organizations in fighting discrimination and promoting Human Rights through education. Far from being based only on ‘teaching’ the participants in a theoretical sense, the initiative was based on practical learning methods, allowing the participants to be actively involved in the whole process.

The impact has been so strong on the participants that they have continued meeting and working together on local actions, cultural activities, seminars, and conducting talks in schools. The group has become an activist and support group facilitated by the organisation, Novisi Elkartea. This ongoing support has been  crucial for the continuation of their work. One impact the group expressed, was the sense of empowerment gained by and that of having more understanding of themselves and others. They are prepared to explore practical ideas but above all a sense of being capable and encouraged by each other.

Participants expressed that they learned a lot about discrimination; knowledge of types of discrimination, forms of gender discrimination, structural causes and issues in identity formation, and the situation in the Basque country. The activity improved their critical thinking and analytical skills.
There was also a visit of a young promoter of an educational project in the city. It is hoped to create an opportunity to work together in the future.

Participants quotes...

“I am aware now of the fact that we all need to promote tolerance and fight discrimination”

“With this training I am now better prepared to talk to my students about respect and acceptance”

“Our organization has learned a lot from the training, our work would be more efficient”