CULiNary ode to DIVERSITY

"<< Background >>The decision to apply for the CULiNary project stemmed from the need to address pressing challenges related to migrant and refugee inclusion. The project aimed to foster their integration into society by using innovative approaches like food and theater. With a rising number of asylum seekers from diverse backgrounds, intercultural dialogue became crucial. The project's unique fusion of cuisine and theater, set in a restaurant, was driven by the emotional ties people have to their food and homeland. This approach aimed to create a safe space for immigrants to share their experiences and stories, promoting understanding and acceptance<< Objectives >>The objectives of implementing the CULiNary project were as follows:Promote Inclusion: The primary goal was to foster the inclusion of adult migrants and refugees into the host society. This included helping them integrate into various aspects of society, such as the job market, housing, education, and societal participation.Innovative Approaches: The project aimed to use innovative methods to value migrants' and refugees' experiences and motivations. It sought to go beyond traditional approaches and find creative ways to facilitate intercultural dialogue and integration.Intercultural Dialogue: Given the increasing number of people seeking asylum from diverse regions, the project aimed to facilitate meaningful intercultural dialogue between migrants, refugees, and the host society. This was vital for promoting mutual understanding and acceptance.Combining Cuisine and Theater: The project aimed to address the specific challenges of immigration, such as legal, social, and economic vulnerability. It sought to achieve this by combining the art of cuisine and theater. << Implementation >>The implementation of the CULiNary project involved the following activities:Desk Research: This phase involved conducting research and focus groups to explore the intersectionality between social inclusion and the combined use of theater and food. The aim was to gather information and insights that would inform the project's approach.Networking and Integration Skills: The project included activities to develop networking and enhance integration skills using theatrical language. This likely involved workshops and training sessions for adult migrants and refugees to help them acquire these skills.Community Map of Foods: The project involved creating a ""community map"" of foods that were significant to migrants and refugees from their respective countries of origin. This mapping likely served as a cultural resource and foundation for the co-construction of theatrical and food-related work.Theatrical Performance: One of the central activities of the project was the staging of a theatrical performance involving adult migrants and refugees. This performance aimed at stimulating the acquisition of intercultural skills through a multisensory approach to food. It likely incorporated storytelling, acting, and the preparation or pre<< Results >>•Enhanced Knowledge: The participants, including educators in adult education, artists working in educational contexts, migrants, and refugees, gained a better understanding of opportunities for social inclusion of migrants and refugees. They learned how to combine adult learning with artistic and culinary activities to promote integration.•Skill Development: Participants acquired practical skills related to using theater and food as tools for social inclusion. This included the ability to design and implement projects that blend adult learning, artistic expression, and culinary activities.•Capacity Building: The project helped build the capacity of educators and artists to effectively work with migrants and refugees, recognizing their specific needs and challenges in the process of integration.•Knowledge Transfer: Participants were equipped to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the project in future initiatives and planning. This knowledge transfer would enable them to continue promoting social inclusion in their respective roles and projects.•Increased Social Inclusion: the project aimed to contribute to the social inclusion of migrants and refugees by using innovative and creative methods"