Shared Spaces: Co-Creating Inclusive Environments for Migrant and Local Communities

<< Background >>This project was initiated to address the pressing lack of diversity, inclusion, and effective communication methods in community spaces within marginalized and rural areas. These spaces often fail to meet the needs of migrant groups, worsen social isolation and exclusion. Challenges such as limited resources, poorly tailored activities, and ineffective outreach strategies further hinder meaningful community engagement.The consortium, composed of migrant-led and migrant-focused NGOs from Sweden, Germany, Poland, and Spain—half of whom were newcomers to KA2 and Erasmus+ — took an attempt to tackle these issues collaboratively. This grassroots initiative aimed to develop inclusive services for young migrants and refugees. The project focused on promoting diversity, inclusion, and social cohesion by creating cultural and social opportunities for both local residents and recently arrived migrants. It also sought to empower young migrants as communicators and activists, capable of bridging divided communities. By involving them from the outset in a co-creative process, the project provided young migrants with the tools and space to actively contribute to the development of solutions, fostering their sense of ownership and agency.<< Objectives >>S.O.1: To address the lack of inclusive and diverse activities in community spaces in marginalized and rural areas by co-creating communication methodologies and practices that foster solidarity and engagement between migrants and local residents.S.O.2: To conduct focus groups, surveys, and desk research to identify barriers to communication and gather best practices that address the real needs of migrant communities. To compile the findings into reports and present the case studies, shared through a public platform for wider access and impact.S.O.3: To implement a tailored training course in Sweden, creating opportunities for experiential learning of educators and young migrants, equipping them with participatory and non-formal education methodologies for replication.S.O.4: To disseminate findings and project outputs widely, organizing local events in partner countries and leveraging partners’ networks to share knowledge and foster sustainable cross-sector collaboration.S.O.5: To strengthen the network of participants, partners, and organizations, by building their professional competences and capacities through mobilities, research activities, and dissemination events fostering collaboration and mutual learning.<< Implementation >>A1: KOM - Coordination and preparation of the project in general (Online)A2: Development of 4 National Indexes and recordings of 16 Case Studies (SE, DE, PL, ES), via conduction of Local Focus Groups, Interviews and Desk Research: Engaged 60 participants across focus groups, conducted surveys, and compiled 16 case studies on innovative communication practices. Delivered national reports and a collective comparative analysis on communication barriers.A3: Conduction of a Training Course / Working Group (in Sweden): Trained educators and migrants in participatory and non-formal education methodologies, equipping 24 participants to implement inclusive activities and foster intercultural communication and solidarity in their respective local communities.A4: Organised Local Pilotings of the methodologies, developed based on the conclusions made in WP1 and as a result and by the participants of the training in WP2.A5: Organisation of Local Multiplier Actions (SE, DE, PL, ES). The Consortium shared project findings with local stakeholders, engaging civil society, service providers, and active members of local migrant communities to integrate results and recommendations into ongoing practices.<< Results >>Concrete Results: /Developed four National Indexes analyzing the needs of migrant populations and communication barriers within the local contexts of partner organizations in SE, DE, PL, and ES, while identifying innovative practices./Produced 16 case studies and a Comparative Report containing actionable recommendations for CSOs and service providers./Delivered a seven-day training course in Sweden for 24 participants, equipping them with participatory and non-formal educational methodologies./Conducted four local pilot activities that tested methodologies, introduced new regular events, and engaged over 80 participants across four countries./Connected with over 40 organizations and service providers through multiplier actions./Disseminated the Comparative Report across multiple online platforms./Maintained consistent online project dissemination throughout the project’s duration./Strengthened the capacity of partners to manage KA2 projects and implement inclusive communication strategies./Empowered young migrants to become community leaders and multipliers of inclusive practices./Established an online network to ensure the ongoing use of tools and sustained advocacy for inclusive practices.