Description
The project addresses hate speech and ethnic intolerance targeted at minorities, refugees and migrants. The project aims at promoting greater tolerance through engaging the various stakeholders in joint activities. First, the program Let’s live in peace together will be developed with input from students of mixed ethnic and cultural background, asylum seekers and refugees. Second, good European practices to contain hate speech will be studied. Third, an awareness raising campaign on human rights will be held. Fourth, discussions in tolerance classes will be held. Next, teachers will be trained to work with children with mixed background. Next, young people with violent, extreme and xenophobic behavior will be integrated during 3 seminars. Finally, diversity of cultures will be celebrated at an outing. The project will benefit minorities, refugee and migrant communities and the public in general. The partner will help with its expertise, contacts and outreach activity.
Summary of project results
The project was implemented in response to the growing xenophobic attitudes and movements in the country in reaction to the worsening migrants’ crisis, in conflict with democratic values and practices and in gross violation of the rights and dignity of each citizen. The media promote hate speech and provide space to ethnic intolerance. Children and young people alike have been involved in a philosophy causing aggression and violence. The project goal was to change the xenophobic attitudes via the following series of actions: an anti-discrimination campaign; a prevention campaign and workshops; workshops for young people and involvement of children from minority communities, refugees and migrants; work with the media to reduce hate speech. The movie created under the project had an impact on the broad public as it was disseminated via the organization’s website, Facebook page and project partners. The partnership with the Norwegian organization Drawing for Peace was very important for the project. Owing to its partner the organization gained know-how in the area of fighting against xenophobia and hate speech via art. Apart from Bulgarian children, children in Norway also drew paintings for peace and tolerance that were exhibited during the three exhibitions in 3 Bulgarian Ministries. In addition, Norwegian children got involved in the drawing drive organized in Sofia on the City Day. The Norwegian partner fully supported the preparation of project documents and materials. For more information:
http://spoc-s.com/fm-na-eip/ и
https://www.facebook.com/sdrspok?fref=ts
Summary of bilateral results
By implementing the project, particular target groups (NGO, specialists, pedagogues, journalists, children and adolescents) have been introduced to the Norwegian practices in the field of tolerance and exploration of innovative approaches with the aim of ensuring their application. Furthermore the project contributed to the development of the bilateral relations by conducting study trips to Norway and Bulgaria. The Bulgarian experts got acquainted with the representatives of local municipalities and schools in Norway and managed to establish better understanding of the necessities of the two countries in order to secure continuity. The Norwegian experts met with representatives of NGOs and different authorities (State Agency for Child Protection, Internal Affairs Office and etc.). On the ground of the Norwegian model a thematic art workshops on "Peace and tolerance" was held. Thus, the project promoter managed to encourage mutual understanding and tolerance. Three exhibitions have been held in three ministry buildings, using part of the paintings and based on the practice of the Norwegian organization.