Learning Community

Immigrants as Education Ambassadors pave the way for immigrants to access lifelong learning

Unhindered and equal access to education for all people – this is of crucial importance for the future viability of Europe and of course for Berlin. At present, people with a migrant background in many EU countries often have limited access to lifelong learning. The EU project “Learning Community” opens opportunities for adult immigrants to actively participate in lifelong learning. Five EU countries worked together towards this objective.

Whilst selecting potential partners and partner countries, we took into account different initial conditions and perceptions within the EU, as well as the specific problems of different migrant groups. The partnership combines educational institutions and NGOs, migrant organizations and policy makers.

We developed innovative strategies and consulting approaches for the target group and suitable tailor-made offers and materials.

We used the method of “education ambassador” – a multiplier concept where immigrants themselves worked as links between learning and consulting services and their communities. They therefore received a comprehensive consulting and training course. The project influenced also local education providers, especially in terms of quality and appropriateness of their learning opportunities.

The project produced the following results: a guideline for education ambassadors – including ambassador-concept, continuing vocational education offers, curricula, handouts and working tools. A network of trained education ambassadors began its educational activities to raise immigrants’ awareness and to motivate them for lifelong learning. The project also provided recommendations for action for the political decision-makers to permanently anchor the education ambassadors in the regional structures. Last but not least “Learning Community” and its results made an important contribution to the implementation of the Berlin integration concept.

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