The Erasmus+ project, “Future Roots,” was held from September 12 to 15, 2019, in Eindhoven, Netherlands. This initiative gathered young people from Albania, Austria, Romania, Nepal, the Netherlands, France, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Africa, with the goal of improving the integration of migrants and refugees and exploring ways in which local youth can facilitate this process.
Albanian Delegation
The Albanian team, representing YEA! (Young Entrepreneurs Albania), consisted of six volunteers, including four students from the Austrian School: Sara Kumanova, Odeta Rama, Agli Golemi, and Xhoi Pavaci. Alfonz Lazri, an alumnus of the Austrian School, served as the group coordinator.
Program Highlights
The 3-day program focused on enhancing the integration of migrants and refugees through a variety of activities:
- Speeches and Presentations: Engaging talks on migration issues, integration strategies, and the role of youth.
- Workshops and Seminars: Interactive sessions aimed at equipping participants with tools and methods to support migrant and refugee adaptation.
- Debates and Group Work: Platforms for participants to discuss ideas, develop solutions, and create projects that address the theme of migration and integration.
The project emphasized the importance of understanding the challenges faced by migrants and refugees in Europe, and how local youth can contribute to overcoming these challenges.
Impact and Future Steps
The conference provided participants with valuable insights and practical tools to support migrant and refugee integration. It also highlighted the increasing issue of social exclusion and the importance of fostering acceptance within communities.
Additionally, since the opening of YEA! HUB at the Austrian School in the fall of 2017, this space has been instrumental in supporting students’ initiatives and contributing to their ongoing development.
