Since the outbreak of the so-called refugee crisis in 2015, European Higher Education Institutions have made considerable efforts to facilitate access for newcomers, through a constellation of actions in different domains: financial support, admission procedures, recognition of qualifications, language and psychological support, to mention a few. Most of these initiatives took a bottom-up approach, as an immediate and emergency response to a crisis situation. Although they have undoubtedly contributed to building more inclusive HEIs and connecting universities with civil society actors, few of them have been underpinned by a central strategic approach and planning, paving the way for a holistic and sustainable institutional response.
In the past three years, the UNI(di)VERSITY project has fostered dynamics of collaboration and knowledge exchange to promote the social inclusion of migrants and refugees, and has produced an original set of instruments to support university staff and services in their efforts to integrate issues related to migration and diversity in different areas. Also, the UNI(di)VERSITY partners have learnt some lessons that can be useful for supporting European Higher Education Institutions and European Universities Alliances in promoting overarching strategies for inclusion of refugees and migrants to build inclusive universities in the era of migration.
As a final step in the UNI(di)VERSITY path, Partners are engaged in a widespread final event taking place the same week in Italy, Spain and Belgium. Details of the event and how to participate here below.
Workshop
Barcelona, 14 December 2022
Socially responsible university for inclusive societies in the era of migration
UNI(di)VERSITY opens the debate on the role of universities in promoting social inclusion. The activity (in English) will take place on December 14, 2022, from 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the Great Hall of the Historical Building of the University of Barcelona (Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585), as a side event of the CHARM-EU Annual Conference. Prior registration is required through this link. You will be informed of the final programme of the workshop through the e-mail provided during registration.
Read more on the event here.
Screening of the documentary
“Refugees Students”
15 December 2022, 19.00 CET | Cinema Farnese, Rome
On the occasion of the International Migrants Day, UNIMED and Sapienza University invite you to the Cinema Farnese in Rome on Thursday 15 December at 7.00 pm for the first screening of “Refugee Students”, the documentary film which tells the story of three university students who are refugees in Rome and Barcelona. Refugee Students enter the lives of Robina, Bozhena e Sofia, capturing what it means to be a refugee, the difficulties, the traces of the past, their cultures, and above all the new opportunities that Europe is giving them.
Read more on the event here.
Webinar
The social responsibility of universities in the era of migration
Live on 16 December 2022, 10.00 CET.
The European University Association (EUA) is pleased to present a webinar on the social responsibility of universities in the era of migration. This webinar will present the outcomes of the UNI(di)VERSITY project and showcase the crucial role played by higher education institutions in fostering the social inclusion of migrants and cultural diversity. Held shortly before International Migrants Day (18 December), this event aims to engage in the global conversation about migration and encourage key stakeholders in the field to further support the inclusion of migrants in higher education by leveraging the project’s results after its conclusion. Registrations are open until 16 December.
Read more on the event here.
