Introductory Courses and Integration for Migrants A European Perspective

Integrating Cities - MIXITIES Make the Integrating Cities Charter real for local authorities and NGOs 27 Cities have signed the Charter – including London Developed and tested 3 toolkits : Introductory and Language courses Anti-discrimination Promoting Cultural Diversity

New European Agenda on Integration 2011 Member states should ensure -the provision of language courses reflecting migrants’ varying needs at different stages of their integration process -the organisation of introductory programmes for newly arrived migrants, including language and civic orientation courses. These courses should address the specific needs of migrant women.. -Special attention to specific needs of vulnerable groups of migrants......

MIXITIES process Benchmark developed through research and with Eurocities’ Integration Working Group Peers trained, e.g. Athens, Helsinki, Ghent, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Genoa, Munich In depth self-assessment by City of Stockholm Week long peer review and exchange of practice Written evidence, 30 interviews and focus groups Feedback and recommendations Revision and development of toolkits

MIXITIES Toolkit Integrating Cities Standard : The city welcomes migrants by promoting & supporting introductory & language courses that improve their access to city services and their integration into the community and workplace Contents: How to use toolkit to review, develop, compare practice Key Factors which make the difference Guide Questions to identify if KFs are being met Examples to illustrate how other cities address themes Context factors that can affect a city’s ability to deliver

Key Factors Public commitment & involvement Explicit strategy which demonstrates priorities Co-ordination, with adequate and sufficient provision Inclusive and evidence-based needs assessment Promotion to newcomers, facilitating early access Meet individual needs, commitments and learning aims Cover local knowledge, daily life and migrants’ rights Help with progression into work and further learning Monitoring and evaluation

Good practice in Stockholm Bilingual Civic Orientation Courses Individual integration Plans Individual counselling & guidance, 1-1 special needs Accessible and free provision, no waiting lists Employment related courses e.g. lorry drivers Bilingual job coaches, e.g. using mobile phones Incentives to complete courses, valued by learners Student-centred adult learning approaches Prior learning validated and progression supported

Common challenges Migrants’ voices in planning, delivery and review Outreach for settled longer-term residents, especially women and older people Over-emphasis on language learning for work Engaging the host community consistently Involving other stakeholders, including other agencies and employers Tailoring courses to individual needs as well as government priorities Mainstreaming project innovation

Further information Factsheet in pack with links to websites, e.g. Integrating Cities charter, toolkits and young peoples’ videos on integration & language learning EWSI European Website on Integration New European Modules on Introductory and Language Courses due in 2012 For Stockholm report contact: