The organization Povod from Slovenia carried out an extensive range of dissemination activities as part of the project ‘Connecting Cultures: A Step Towards Integration.’ These activities aimed to spread the project’s results and best practices at the local and national levels. The key focus was on mentorship as an effective tool for integrating young migrants into society.
Series of Workshops: Mentorship as a Bridge to Integration
Povod organized a series of interactive workshops for youth workers, volunteers, and representatives of non-governmental organizations involved in migrant integration. These workshops covered:
- How to establish and develop a high-quality mentorship system for young migrants.
- How to improve the competencies of mentors working with migrants.
- Best mentorship practices from other countries and how to adapt them to the Slovenian context.
- Ways in which mentorship contributes to social inclusion and psychological support for young migrants.
Each workshop included real-life case studies, experiential exercises, and simulations of actual situations to enhance participants’ skills in working with young migrants.
National Conference: Migration and Youth Work
Povod hosted a national conference that gathered youth workers, NGO representatives, academics, and policymakers in the field of migration. The conference presented the results of the ‘Connecting Cultures’ project and facilitated discussions on the future of youth work in the context of migrant integration. A special emphasis was placed on mentorship, featuring examples of successfully implemented mentorship programs and the challenges youth workers face in integrating migrants.
Development and Distribution of Handbooks for Youth Workers
As part of the project, Povod developed and distributed a comprehensive handbook for youth workers, which includes:
- Methodological approaches to working with young migrants.
- Examples of successful mentorship programs from Slovenia and abroad.
- Practical guidelines for establishing an effective mentorship program.
The handbook was distributed to various organizations, schools, youth centers, and universities to ensure the sustainable use of these resources and contribute to long-term improvements in migrant integration approaches.
Establishing a Network of Mentors
In addition to workshops and the handbook, Povod established a network of young mentors who connected with their peers from different countries to exchange experiences and methods. This network serves as a platform for continued collaboration and support in integrating young migrants.
Media Campaign and Public Awareness
To further disseminate the project’s results, Povod launched a broad media campaign that included:
- Social media posts and updates on the organization’s websites.
- Interviews with youth workers and mentors who shared their experiences.
- Short video stories featuring migrants who participated in the mentorship program.
Through these activities, Povod reached a wide network of stakeholders in Slovenia and ensured that the results of the project would not end with its formal completion. Instead, they remain as sustainable resources for future work with young migrants. Mentorship has proven to be a key tool for effective integration, and Povod will continue developing and expanding these practices in the future.
