Description
The project addresses the integration of the growing number of refugees and asylum seekers in Bulgaria in need of social and cultural orientation. The project goal is to acquaint about 80 refugees with the local cultural and social codes to facilitate their integration. The implemented cultural orientation programme includes 9 modules on cartoons and graffiti, theatre, cinema, literature, cultural heritage and traditions, folk music and dances, photography and urban orientation. The organized visits to museums, theatre performances, cinema, literary readings, the painting workshop and the photo competition together with ongoing communication with native speakes will help the refugees obtain better practical knowledge of the cultural and social codes and complement the state integration programme. The main target group is refugees and asylum seekers. However, the project will also benefit all foreign nationals seeking protection, the competent authorities and the local community.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the integration of the growing number of refugees and asylum seekers in Bulgaria in need of social and cultural orientation. The impact of the project on the target group (82 refugees) is directly related to the set objectives and could be defined as follows: created opportunity for equal access for refugees and asylum seekers to cultural activities, which in turn contributed to fostering social justice; building the target group’s capacity for civic activity by developing skills for effective functioning in the Bulgarian society; assistance in promoting intercultural dialogue. In this sense, the project was both necessary and very successful, and this is confirmed by the feedback received from the participants. The project offered a wide range of cultural practices (more information at
http://www.ref-life.bg), which create a comprehensive picture of the lifestyle and social relations of the local population. Also, all activities included intercultural dialogue through getting to know the cultural characteristics of the representatives of all nationalities present. Participating in the activities was not an end in itself but a means of empowerment through building familiarity, trust and interest in the other.
Summary of bilateral results