Purpose: The purpose of the Intercultural Centre for Social Integration in Ioannina is to provide support and assistance primarily to refugees and migrants residing in the area. It aims to improve their living conditions and promote peaceful coexistence through the provision of social services, interpretation, and intercultural mediation in multiple languages (French, Arabic, and Farsi). The centre also organises cultural and social events to encourage interaction and integration among different cultures. Additionally, it facilitates access to social protection programs, offers advisory support, and collaborates with other structures and services within its geographical limits to address the diverse needs of its beneficiaries effectively.
Stimulus/Rationale: The Intercultural Centre for Social Integration in Ioannina was established in response to the increasing population of refugees and migrants in the area. Driven by a commitment to promote human rights and peaceful coexistence, the centre provides social services, interpretation, and intercultural mediation in multiple languages to empower beneficiaries and enhance their living conditions. The centre aims to bridge cultural gaps, foster understanding, and facilitate access to social protection programs, ultimately creating a more inclusive and cohesive community for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Process: The Cultural Centre of the Municipality of Ioannina oversees its operation, and funding is provided by the Open Society Foundation. The centre is staffed by five qualified individuals who offer social services and interpretation in three languages: French, Arabic, and Farsi. The centre’s services include interpretation and intercultural mediation for all municipal services, organisation of cultural events to promote integration, advisory support, information dissemination about social protection programs, assistance with integration into such programs, and cooperation with other services in the geographical district. This comprehensive process aims to empower beneficiaries, foster intercultural understanding, and facilitate their successful integration into the local community.
Impact: The centre’s language services, and cultural mediation have facilitated better communication among diverse cultural groups. Cultural events organised by the centre have encouraged intercultural exchange and fostered a sense of community. Through collaboration with municipal services, the centre has provided essential support to individuals, empowering them in their integration process.
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