4th Transnational Workshop Oldenburg

From the 12th to 14th of September the Arrival Cities Network partners met in Oldenburg for the 4th Transnational Workshop and 6th SGM. The theme of this 4rd Transnational Workshop was the “Education Services for migrants and refugees”

On the 12th of September the Arrival Cities Network's representatives met in Oldenburg for the 4th Transnational Meeting of the project. Mr. Frank Hinrichs (Head of Mayor's Office) welcomed the delegates in the wonderful venue of Altes Rathaus – City Hall. The participants could also enjoy the music of a local band whose members Guevara, Zico and Oudi arrived in Germany from Siria two years ago. The whole Arrival Cities group congratulated the band for their touching songs. See the video HERE

The second day started in the Oldenburg Cultural Centre, an ancient building that in XVIII century hosted the City hospital; here the Arrival Cities delegation has been welcomed by the Deputy Mayor Mrs.Chistine Wolff, who welcomed the participants, stressing the importance for the City of hosting such international exchanges. The Introduction to the workshop's theme has been done by the Lead Expert Mr.Haroon Saad; in particular he analysed issues and challenges; as well as possible causal factors of education differences and made some examples of EU and City level actions across Europe and worldwide.

Later the delegates visited the IGS Kreyenbruck Comprehensive School where several projects, as well as best integration practices have been presented. During the afternoon the group split in two to assist to the Case Study's presentations in parallel sessions. The Cities that presented their case studies were Amadora, Thessaloniki, Val de Marne and Messina. Later on the Local Coordinators met for the 6th Steering Group Meeting of the project.

In the first part of the morning of the 14th delegates assisted to the presentation of Vantaa's and Roquetas' case studies in parallel sessions. Later the group moved to the Jugend Kultur Arbert Cente for international exchange and volunteer. Here the delegates assisted to the presentation of the IBIS mentoring programme who provide individual support and counseling for children in scholar age. In the afternoon the group discussed about key issues to "bring home" for the next ULG meeting and later all the delegates split in 6 groups and went for a visit to "discover Oldenburg" with the students of the European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations (EMMIR).

There were three intense but inspiring days for all of us, the partners brought home many ideas and best practices, that can be replicated in their cities.

Resources: