Our Journey
Refu’IN project started at December 2019 and finishes in December 2022. The project involved 5 main stages that were distributed during the 3 years of the project: - Construction of Research Materials -Collection and Data Analysis - ToolKit Construction - Final Conference and Training
International an transnational meetings:
During the project development process, meetings were held at internal and international levels.
These meetings allowed us to provide discussion and to share and learn about the hosting reality and hosting conditions of refugees and asylum seekers in the different countries of the partnership.
2019
• Start of the Project
• Kickoff Meeting
2020
Stage 1: Construction of Research Materials
Preparation of Questionnaires
From March 2020 to May 2021, questionnaires for the project were developed. All the partners participated in the construction of these questionnaires, namely, in the first version of these ones. There was one questionnaire for each target group: beneficiaries (I.e.: refugees and asylum seekers) and technicians.
The first version of the questionnaires was applied to a smaller sample of the target group and then they’re invited to meet with one of the members of the project to discuss them (e.g.: structure of the questionnaire and questions, items that could be changed, etc.). After these interviews, a reformulation to the first version was done and reviewed by an experienced researcher that also suggested some modifications to this version. At this point, we had the final version of the questionnaires that was translated to English and to the idiom of the partners countries. Finally, we felt the need to translate these questionnaires to Arab and French.
Preparation of Focus Groups
During the first semester of 2021, all the partners participated in the preparation of the focus groups. The main goal of these groups was to provide insights into how people think and a deeper understanding of the
work towards the inclusion of refugees. For this aim, three focus groups were prepared. For each of these ones, a script to conduct the interview was also prepared.
2021
Stage 2: Collection
and Data Analysis
Questionnaires Application
In the questionnaires for the beneficiary’s information was collected about their sociodemographic background (e.g., age, gender, nationality) and about their current situation in their host country. The participants were also asked about potential participation in an integration program and gave their insights about themes such as housing, health, education, work, free time activities and discrimination.
The questionnaires for the technicians included sociodemographic data, followed by questions related to the organization they were working for. Furthermore, the questionnaires also collected data about their positive and challenging experiences regarding their own work with refugees and asylum seekers, as well as information regarding work, housing, language, education, social inclusion and peer work. In the end, technicians were asked about possible collaborations between organizations and local authorities as well as about the issue of discrimination in their country.
These questionnaires were then analyzed and the final results can be accessed here.
Focus Groups Implementation
From July to September 2021, the organizations involved in the project carried out three focus groups: one composed by beneficiaries, other composed only by technicians and a mixed group, that were held in the respective partner country’s language. All the focus groups answered questions related to the following categories: general questions, free time and network, employment, education, housing, and discrimination.
From the focus groups, two main outcomes were obtained: the content analysis from the focus groups and the criteria checklist for the assessment of a good practice.
Data Analysis
After the application of the built questionnaires and the implementation of the focus groups, the process of Data Analysis started. The results from the Data analysis can be found here.
2022
Stage 2: Collection
and Data Analysis
National Forums and GP collection
All partners organized a national forum in their own country that was an important moment to collect and discuss good practices. As a way of reaching other important elements to the project, stakeholders (municipalities, policy makers, NGO’s, teachers, doctors, community, etc) working directly or indirectly with the target population were invited.
Portugal
Organized an online forum with the participation of eight national institutions located in different parts of the country that presented good practice. and each presented one good practice. There was also a moment to discuss difficulties and strategies when working with refugees.
Sweden
An online national forum with the main theme “Integration” was arranged in collaboration with a production company that broadcasted the whole event on Youtube. Seven organizations presented one good practice each. There was also the opportunity to promote a panel discussion, with 3 experts in the field of integration that could discuss these good practices with the remaining panelist and also the presenters.
Italy
In Italy, three online National forums were held, organized by Arci Catania and Programma integra, with the participation of a total of 13 representatives from other organizations The three meetings had different focuses, exploring good practices related with Housing, exploring good practices related with job placement and orientation and finally exploring good practices related with free time and active participation of foreigners.
Bulgaria
The BCRM organized a forum with the participation of experts from leading non-governmental organizations in the field, municipalities and local authorities experienced in the topic, as well as refugee led structures.