European and International Partnerships

Erasmus+ Mobilising university-community resources through service learning for the inclusion of migrants/refugees

In this project, the action will be focused on migrants/refugees in Europe who will work together with the students of the University to identify needs, propose actions, get involved in a process of reciprocal training and social innovation to train university students in civic and social competences.

• To contribute to the increase of the social and cultural capital of university students and migrant/refugee people through collaborative work networks, reciprocity and social support.
• To learn about the reality of migrants/refugees in Europe.
• To stimulate the democratic and civic participation of university students by promoting opportunities for social engagement and intercultural development.
• To analyze the role of Universities in the European social and intercultural project.
• To strengthen the development of European civil society through the participation of local communities working in networks.
• Contribute to the achievement of SDGs - 4 (quality education), 5 (gender equality), 10 (reduction of inequalities), 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) and 17 (partnerships to achieve the goals) of the new sustainable development agenda.
• Promote Service Learning at the University as a social learning methodology.

PROJECT COORDINATION ORGANIZATION:

Universidade de Santiago de Compostela

PROJECT PARTNERS ORGANIZATIONS:

ACCEM
Universita Degli Studi di Verona
Cooperativa Sociale Glocal Factory
University of Galway

To keep up to date with our project please see links to the

Website: https://service-learning-m.eu/

Information about our training course for higher education staff: https://www.teachingandlearning.ie/event/how-to-do-community-based-learning-with-migrants-refugees/

Outputs from the project include the development of a pilot course for teachers and conference on service learning.  Guide to best practices in the university for the inclusion of migrants and refugees using service learning as an educational resource led by Dr Lorraine Tansey, Dr. David Doolin.  

The Irish project Intercultural Encounters aims to give insights into global citizenship, diversity and inclusion, through disciplinary and cultural boundary crossing, knowledge sharing and co-production, as well as intercultural understanding and collaboration between students. Students with different disciplinary and cultural experiences jointly address complex issues related to a specific global challenge that also has a local impact, within a team research project.  

The service takes place with two main community groups: the Ukrainian migrants coordinated by the local Volunteer Centre Ukrainian Support Workers and the GOCOM Migrant Community Radio Station. Ukrainian Support Workers: USW identified that newly arrived Ukrainian migrants would welcome a collective and shared environment that was supportive for practicing the English language, meeting Galway community members, and self or personal development skills. GOCOM Migrant Radio: GOCOM identified that a marketing and promotional support would enhance the knowledge of their station in the wider community.