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Description
The project is a response to the low level of civic and political participation of migrants and Czech citizens with migrant backgrounds, residing in Prague. Migrants comprise approximately one fifth of the city''s population, yet nobody represents them at the political level, and they have very limited opportunities to get civically and politically engaged (voting rights are accessible only to EU citizens). In order to improve this situation we will work closely with Prague City Hall. Together we will create a platform where migrants will be able to voice their needs and ideas, build social capital, and work together with local communities, NGOs, and civic initiatives. The platform will provide a space for dialogue, networking, and capacity building. We will further support grassroot initiatives via an acceleration program. We will focus on strengthening the civic competencies of the target group by providing individual counseling and mentoring (e.g. building self-confidence, social capital, finding out more information about Czech civil society). Since there is very little research and data available on the topic, we will conduct a survey among migrants on how they view their engagement, focusing on what opportunities they find, and obstacles they face in their path to civic engagement. We will work together with a partner NGO in Norway, sharing best practices and inspiration on how to provide better opportunities for the migrant population to get involved. At the end of the project we will hold a public conference under the auspices of the Prague City Hall. The conference will address the outcomes of the project as well as other relevant issues, thus boosting the public discourse on the topic.
Summary of project results
The project has been a response to the low level of civic and political participation of Prague residents with a migratory background, who comprise approximately one
third of the city''s population, yet nobody represents them at the political level, and they have very limited opportunities to get civically and politically engaged.This issue isn''t
present in public discourse and hasn''t been adequately researched. People with a migratory background generally have fewer opportunities to get involved; they face various
obstacles, and the civil society isn''t adequately accessible to them.
The project''s implementation contributed to the development of the MigAct initiative, which later transformed into an independent organization.This initiative aims at developing
capacities of people with a migratory background, empowering them to fully engage in civic activities and public affairs. Residents with a migration background are directly
involved in carrying out the activities of the organization.
During the project implementation MigAct developed a partnership with Prague City Hall, which contributes to a greater sustainability of the organization''s activities in the future and increased visibility of the topic. A unique survey was also conducted to explore the needs of the target group in the topic of civic and political participation. The research results were presented at an international conference, providing a platform for various organizations, institutions, and active citizens to meet and discuss the issue. The project''s most significant contribution is capacity building of residents with a migration background and an increased visibility of this topic in the capital city of Prague.The project was implemented in partnership with the Human Rights Academy in Norway. The collaboration was mutually inspiring for both organizations; they exchanged know-how in working with people with a migration background and gained a deeper understanding of the context in both countries.