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Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers: A Snapshot of Our Project in Partnership with IOM Belgium – Incentive Fund 2024

Get to know NADOE and our project selected for Incentive Fund 2024

NADOE stands for Network of Afghan Diaspora Organisations in Europe. We are a refugee-led, community-based organisation based in Brussels, dedicated to empowering Afghan diaspora communities across Europe. Many of our team have personal refugee experiences, allowing us to bring a community-centred approach to our support. We have also members from European countries in our team: France, Italy and Denmark. Our aim is to connect Afghan diaspora and civil society organisations, as well as organisations involved in immigration, fostering collaboration and community empowerment.

We are honoured to have been selected for the Incentive Fund 2024 and to partner with IOM Belgium and Luxembourg on our “Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers” project, which provides crucial, accurate information on fundamental rights for vulnerable migrant groups, especially asylum seekers. As part of this initiative, we organised 6 training sessions across refugee camps in Belgium, held in multiple languages—Dari, Pashto, Arabic, French, English, Dutch, Tigrinya, and Kirundi—to meet the diverse needs of residents.

Together, with the collaboration of trainers, team members, IOM, Fedasil, Caritas, Ukrainian Voices and reception centres across Belgium, we created something that brought real value to camp residents, empowering them with knowledge and support.

Celebrating Milestones: Our Final Training Session of the ‘Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers Project’ in Brussels- collaboration with IOM and Fedasil

Brussels, 26 October 2024 – On Saturday, October 26, we organised the final training session for residents at the Fedasil Bordet Centre as part of the “Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers” project. We welcomed 65 participants this time, with a diverse array of languages represented, including Persian, Pashto, Kirundi, Somali, Arabic, English, and French!

This session stood out as many attendees were newcomers, some having arrived in Belgium only a month ago. This highlights the importance of providing these sessions early in the asylum process, helping residents adjust to life in a new country.

Sessions Topics and Structure

Participants actively engaged in exercises and discussions, learning about the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. Trainers from similar countries of origin and backgrounds facilitated the session, fostering a comfortable and supportive environment for participants to share their stories and experiences. Throughout the session, participants asked insightful questions on a variety of topics, including:

🔹 Job Search
🔹 Vocational Training
🔹 Integration Process
🔹 Personal Cases

Some specific questions we received included:

📝 “How long until we receive our papers?”
📝 “Can we work during this period? What can I do with my profession?”
📝 “What are the steps to obtain Belgian citizenship?”

“We are thankful and have learned a lot from the workshop. Special thanks for explaining everything so clearly!”, said one participant.

Acknowledgments

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Emeline Zotto for her trust in our project since the beginning. A special thank you goes to all the dedicated trainers and reception centres involved—without them, this project would not have been possible. As we approach the end of this initiative, we recognise the lasting impact these sessions have made. We hope to see more initiatives like this in the future, which aim to ease the asylum process for all.

This project was selected within the Incentive Fund 2024 of the IOM Belgium and Luxembourg Conex Project, funded by Fedasil. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this journey!

Fifth Session of the ‘Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers’ Project – Collaboration with Ukrainian Voices, IOM, and Fedasil

Oudergem, 9 October 2024 – On Wednesday, October 9th, we held our fifth session of the Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers project at the Ukrainian Voices RC Triomphe Collective Shelter. This centre is managed by refugees and people with refugee backgrounds, providing a unique context for our discussions and training. We conducted the sessions in French, Arabic, and English, engaging a total of 60 participants.

We are incredibly proud of the diverse range of centres we have collaborated with throughout this project. Each partnership reflects the importance and recognition of our mission to empower asylum seekers with the knowledge they need to navigate their rights and available support services.

This project was selected within the Incentive Fund 2024 of the IOM Belgium and Luxembourg Conex Project, by Fedasil. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to IOM Belgium and Luxembourg and Fedasil for their continuous trust and support!

Fourth Training Session of the ‘Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers’ Project at Fedasil Centre in Herbeumont – collaboration with IOM and Fedasil

Herbeumont, 7 August 2024 – NADOE held the fourth Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers project session at the Fedasil Centre in Herbeumont. We conducted the session in Pashto, Kirundi, French, Arabic, and Tigrinya, with a total of 60 residents participating. We were especially pleased to see a noteworthy increase in the participation of women. This was the highest number of attendees we have had since the start of the project! 🙌

With this milestone, we have now trained a total of 152 asylum seekers. This remarkable turnout reflects the growing interest and need for information among asylum seekers, particularly regarding their rights and available support services. A big thank you to IOM Belgium and Luxembourg for their trust and support, as well as to the centres in Fedasil and Caritas International.be for their contributions to this success.

Together, we are contributing to increasing asylum seekers’ and refugees knowledge about their rights.

This project was selected within the Incentive Fund 2024 of the IOM Belgium and Luxembourg Conex Project, funded by Fedasil.

Building Bridges: Third Training Session of the ‘Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers’ Project at Caritas Ransart Centre – in collaboration with Caritas, IOM and Fedasil

Charleroi, 2 August 2024 – On Wednesday, August 2nd, we held our third session of the Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers project at the Caritas Ransart Centre in Charleroi. This initiative is dedicated to providing essential information to asylum seekers about their rights and the support services available to them during and after their asylum procedure.

The session was conducted in Pashto, Kirundi, French, Arabic, and Somali, allowing us to reach a total of 50 residents.

Key Topics Discussed

During the training, several important topics were raised by the participants:

Accommodation Contributions: Employed asylum seekers expressed concerns regarding deductions from their earnings for accommodation costs in the reception centres.

Access to Training and University Education: Many participants inquired about opportunities for professional training and higher education for themselves and their children, emphasising the importance of education in securing a better future.

Provision of Diapers for Babies and Legal Status of Children Born in Belgium: We addressed the legal status of children born in Belgium to regular resident parents, as well as the importance of ensuring that baby care supplies, like diapers, are accessible to those in need.

Regularisation Process: Questions were raised about the pathway to regularisation for asylum seekers, underscoring the need for clear information on this critical issue.

Career Aspirations

The Somali session sparked a vibrant discussion about career aspirations among the participants. Here are some of the dreams shared:

• A young woman expressed her desire to become a makeup artist.
• Another participant aimed to pursue a career in engineering.
• One participant aspired to be a software developer.
• Another attendee was considering becoming an electrician.
• Some participants remained uncertain about their career paths due to concerns regarding their documentation.

We also touched on mental health, where participants shared their concerns about the effectiveness of therapy and the need for support in this area.

Feedback from Participants

The feedback received from participants was insightful and highlighted the importance of the training:

• One participant emphasised the critical role of education, stating the need to focus on studying, not just working, once they obtain their documents.
• Another participant recalled having heard similar information while in a shelter, reinforcing the value of these sessions.

It is crucial for asylum seekers to be well-informed about their rights and the services available to support them throughout and beyond the asylum process.

This project was selected within the Incentive Fund 2024 of the IOM Belgium and Luxembourg Conex Project, generously funded by Fedasil. We look forward to continuing this important work and providing asylum seekers with the knowledge they need to thrive. Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming sessions!

Second Training Session of the ‘Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers’ Project at Fedasil Senonchamps – Collaboration with IOM and Fedasil

Senonchamps, 31 July 2024 – On Wednesday, July 31st, NADOE held the second training session of the Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers project at Fedasil Senonchamps. This initiative aims to provide vital information and support to asylum seekers as they navigate the complexities of the asylum process.

A multilingual and inclusive approach

The session was conducted in Pashto, Kirundi, French, and Tigrinya, ensuring that participants could engage fully in a language they were comfortable with. The trainers provided asylum seekers with essential insights into their rights and obligations at each stage of the asylum procedure, with a particular emphasis on labour market access and healthcare rights. During the training, several crucial topics were discussed:

Steps in the Asylum Procedure: Participants learned about the essential phases of the process, including registration, interviews, decisions, and the appeal process.

Labour Market Access: The session addressed the conditions for employment, as well as the rights and restrictions that apply during the asylum procedure, helping participants understand their potential pathways to work.

Healthcare Rights: Trainers provided information on accessing healthcare services, detailing the types of healthcare available and the steps to access them, which are critical for the well-being of asylum seekers.

Feedback Highlights

The atmosphere during the training was lively and interactive, with participants actively engaging in discussions and providing valuable feedback. Their questions and insights enriched the session and fostered a collaborative learning environment.

The response from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with several key themes emerging from their feedback:

• Comprehensive and Clear Information: Participants appreciated the clarity and thoroughness of the information provided.
• Practical Advice and Actionable Steps: Many found the session’s practical approach helpful in understanding what to expect in their asylum process.
• Participatory and Two-Way Communication: The interactive format allowed for meaningful exchanges between trainers and participants, enhancing the learning experience.

One participant noted, “It would have been good if it had been a bit earlier; it would have helped us more.” This feedback emphasizes the importance of timely information in the asylum process.

Commitment to Support Asylum Seekers

NADOE is committed to continuing this important work and providing ongoing support to asylum seekers at every step of their journeys. The Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers project was selected within the Incentive Fund 2024 of the IOM Belgium and Luxembourg Conex Project, generously funded by Fedasil.

As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to empowering asylum seekers with the knowledge and resources they need. Stay tuned for updates on future training sessions, and thank you to all participants for your engagement and contributions!

‘Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers’ Project: First Training Session at Fedasil Kapellen -Collaboration with IOM and Fedasil

Antwerp, 22 July, 2024 – NADOE conducted the first training session for residents of Fedasil Kapellen in Antwerp as part of the project “Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers”.

Objectives of the Training Session

The session focused on several key objectives:

🔸 Informing Residents About Legal Rights: Asylum seekers must understand their rights during and after the asylum procedure. This session aimed to clarify these rights, including the right to seek asylum, the right to non-refoulement, the right to accessible information, the right to legal assistance, and the right to decent reception conditions.

🔸 Addressing Misconceptions: Many misconceptions surround asylum rights. The training sought to dispel myths and provide accurate information, including which cases qualify for asylum and what is important to mention during an asylum interview.

🔸 Understanding the 1951 Geneva Convention: Participants learned about the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, which ensures that residents understand the internationally recognised definition of a refugee and the legal protections, rights, and assistance to which refugees are entitled. This knowledge is essential for effectively presenting their cases.

🔸 Future Orientation Guidance: The session provided insights into life in Belgium, including available resources and support systems to assist residents in their transition.

Highlights and Participants’ Feedback

Recognising the diverse backgrounds of the participants, the training was conducted in multiple languages: English, Russian, Pashto, Dari, Tigrinya, Amharic, Somali, and Arabic. This approach ensured that all 42 participants could engage fully with the material presented. The session featured a blend of presentations, Q&A sessions, and small group discussions, led by trainers who share the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the attendees. The response from participants was overwhelmingly positive since they found the information incredibly helpful. Some even stayed after the session to discuss their personal cases with trainers, demonstrating a clear need for ongoing support and guidance. Several residents expressed that they were previously unfamiliar with the Geneva Convention and their legal rights.

Feedback from the attendees:

• “It was a very good presentation. It inspired us. You made us clear with a lot of information we didn’t know before.”
• “We humbly request NADOE to provide such information frequently.”

This feedback is invaluable as it allows NADOE to tailor future sessions to better meet the needs of the residents, ensuring that the training remains relevant and effective.

A Collaborative Effort

The “Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers” project was selected within the Incentive Fund 2024 of the IOM Belgium and Luxembourg Conex Project, funded by Fedasil. We extend our heartfelt thanks to IOM Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as Fedasil, for their trust and support in this initiative.

Looking Ahead

The success of the first training session has set a positive tone for future events. NADOE is eager to build upon this momentum, with plans for more sessions aimed at equipping asylum seekers with the knowledge they need to navigate their asylum process in Belgium. Together, we are making strides to foster a more informed and empowered community.

Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming training sessions, and thank you to all participants for your engagement and enthusiasm!

Empowering Asylum Seekers: Kick-Off of the ‘Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers’ Project with IOM Belgium and Fedasil

Brussels, 5 April, 2024 – We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with IOM – UN Migration and Fedasil for the project “Awareness Bridge for Asylum Seekers”. This project was selected within the Incentive Fund 2024 of the IOM Belgium and Luxembourg Conex Project, funded by Fedasil.

Our mission is to provide accurate and reliable information on fundamental rights to vulnerable migrant groups, especially those seeking asylum, and to assist them in future orientation. NADOE members bring invaluable firsthand experience and insights into the challenges faced by asylum seekers.

Through a community-led approach, we are taking proactive steps to create a supportive network built on empathy and understanding.

NADOE Joins Forces with IOM Belgium to Make Remittances More Affordable and Transparent

Brussels, 20 February, 2024 – NADOE is proud to have contributed to the O-REMIT project since January 2024, aiming to reduce remittance costs and make transfers more efficient and transparent. As a diaspora network, we support the O-REMIT team with data collection, and through these efforts, we aim to empower diaspora communities.

O-REMIT is a two-year project funded by the Belgian government and implemented by IOM Belgium and Luxembourg in collaboration with ZidiCircle, Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs (OVO), the National Bank of Belgium, and diaspora organisations.

“As a diaspora network, NADOE is pleased to participate in reducing remittance costs by aiding the IOM’s O-REMIT project team with data collection. By actively contributing to these efforts and through collective action, we strive to empower diaspora talents and pave the way for a more equitable future,” said our Secretary General, Ahmad Wali Ahmad Yar.

Notably, we collected 191 survey responses!

We also participated in the National Remittances Summit 2024, organised by IOM Belgium and Luxembourg, where we shared our insights on the importance of reliable and accurate data on remittances. Our Secretary General spoke on the panel titled “The Critical Role of Data in Meeting SDG Target 10.C: North-South Lessons on Data Collection and Analysis.”

Best Wishes to Former President Lailuma Sadid on New Endeavour

Brussels, March 29, 2024 – The Network Afghan Diaspora Organisations in Europe (NADOE) team wishes our former president, Ms. Lailuma Sadid, all the best in her new endeavour as a political candidate for the European Parliament. During her candidacy, Ms. Sadid will not have a decision-making or voting role within NADOE. In her absence, her tasks and responsibilities will be shared by two of our capable and experienced members, Ms. Morgane Jourdain and Ms. Shagofah Ghafori. We extend our best wishes to Ms. Jourdain and Ms. Ghafori.

Celebrating Nawruz in Brussels

23 March 2024

Dear friend, colleague,

NADOE and partner organisations are inviting you to celebrate Nawruz, ancestral celebration of the Persian New Year in Afghanistan and the region, marking the first day of spring and the rebirth of nature. We will celebrate the feast, which is on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the capital of Europe, with poetry, music, food, and dance.

If you are interested to know more about Nawruz and celebrate it with us, please confirm your participation with the organisers.

Venue: Rue de la Loi 89, 1040 Bruxelles

Registration and welcome 16.30 – 17.00
Traditional music 17.00 – 17.30
Poetry and Storytelling 17.30 – 18.30
Traditional Dance Performance 18.30 – 19.00
Dinner 19.00 – 20.00
Music and Party 20.00 – 22.00
Contact: info@nadoe.eu / +32465202917

Training session for the legal guardians of unaccompanied minors on Sexual Development and Abuse – collaboration with Red Cross

On February 27th and March 7th, at the Red Cross, NADOE conducted training sessions aimed at educating legal guardians of unaccompanied Afghan minors about sexual development and cultural perspectives on sexual abuse. These sessions were designed to equip guardians with the knowledge and understanding necessary to support the well-being of these vulnerable minors within the specific cultural context of Afghanistan. To effectively address the sensitive topics of sexual development and abuse, it is essential to first understand the cultural background of Afghanistan. Our training delved into Afghan culture, acknowledging its significant role in shaping societal norms and values. We explored traditional customs, family structures, and community expectations that influence attitudes towards sexuality and abuse.

Impact of Conflict on Afghan Society

The impact of conflict on Afghan society cannot be overstated. Forced population movements have led to significant cultural shifts, presenting challenges in preserving traditional practices and addressing emerging issues. Our training explored these dynamics, recognizing the complexities of navigating cultural norms amidst conflict-induced changes. One of the key topics covered was sexual development in practice within Afghan society. We provided insights into traditional practices and societal expectations, shedding light on how cultural norms shape perceptions and behaviours related to sexuality. Addressing sexual abuse, both within and outside Afghanistan, was a crucial aspect of the training. We acknowledged the prevalence of such abuses within Afghan communities and the unique challenges faced by unaccompanied minors. By fostering open dialogue and providing practical guidance, we aimed to empower legal guardians to recognize and respond effectively to instances of abuse.

Outcomes of the Training

The training yielded significant outcomes, with participants gaining a deeper understanding of minor behaviour and the cultural context surrounding sexual development and abuse. Moreover, the session complemented existing research and expertise, contributing to a more comprehensive approach to safeguarding the well-being of Afghan minors. Central to our training was the increasing acknowledgment of the importance of approaching sensitive topics within a cultural context. By recognizing and respecting cultural norms, we can better support the needs of Afghan minors and foster a more inclusive and informed approach to addressing sexual development and abuse.

Our work does not end with the training session. We remain committed to fostering ongoing dialogue, education, and advocacy efforts to support the well-being of unaccompanied Afghan minors.

NADOE’s President Lailuma Sadid Wins the 2023 International Henri La Fontaine Humanism Prize

Brussels, September 21, 2023 – Brussels City Hall was the setting for an extraordinary event on Thursday, September 21, 2023, as the International Henri La Fontaine Prize for Humanism was awarded to the courageous Afghan journalist in exile, Mrs. Lailuma Sadid. This prestigious accolade recognizes Ms. Sadid’s tireless work as a defender of human rights and her unwavering commitment to press freedom.

The ceremony, held under the presidency of Françoise Tulkens, former Vice President of the European Court of Human Rights and an associate member of the Royal Academy of Belgium, brought together a diverse audience from around the world to celebrate Lailuma Sadid’s courage and determination. Daniel Sotiaux, President of the Henri La Fontaine Foundation, and the foundation’s administrators opened the ceremony with enthusiasm, followed by Philippe Close, the Mayor of Brussels, who emphasized the importance of press freedom in a democratic society.

The day was punctuated by enchanting musical interludes that created an atmosphere of celebration and reflection. Next, a roundtable discussion titled “Women Who Resist at the Peril of Their Lives” was moderated by Éddy Caeckelberghs, an RTBF journalist, and highlighted the inspiring stories of courageous women such as Ava Basiri, an Iranian human rights activist and the recipient of the 2023 “Voice of the Voiceless” award, Sophie Bessis, historian, journalist, and essayist, and Rhodi Mellek, a Syrian Kurdish refugee in Belgium.

The climax of the event came with the moving speech by Françoise Tulkens, President of the sixth edition of the Henri La Fontaine Prize for Humanism, who underscored the crucial importance of Lailuma Sadid’s work in defending human rights and promoting freedom of expression in hostile environments.

Tension was palpable when the long-awaited moment arrived: the proclamation and presentation of the International Henri La Fontaine Prize for Humanism. Lailuma Sadid, the Afghan journalist in exile, was crowned the laureate, eliciting hearty applause from the audience. Her acceptance speech served as a powerful reminder of the significance of press freedom, especially in regions of the world where it is gravely threatened.

The evening concluded on a positive note with a lively reception, offering guests the opportunity for informal discussions with Lailuma Sadid and other event participants.

The Henri La Fontaine Foundation once again played a vital role in honoring those who strive for a better world. The 2023 International Henri La Fontaine Prize for Humanism undeniably left a lasting impression by celebrating the bravery and resilience of Lailuma Sadid, an exceptional Afghan journalist who embodies the fundamental values of freedom and human dignity. Her award is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the voice of truth and justice can never be silenced.

The entire NADOE team congratulates Mrs. Sadid for her accomplishment and we are proud to work alongside her.

NADOE organized training for Red Cross Flanders personnel working with migrants from Afghanistan in January 2023

The Network of Afghan Diaspora Organizations in Europe (NADOE) organized training sessions for the Belgian Red Cross (Flanders) in Ghent, Hasselt, and Mechelen. These training sessions were held for the Red Cross’s personnel that are in contact with Afghan newcomers in their daily jobs. They work in different reception centers for asylum seekers run by the Red Cross. The participants of the training came from different backgrounds, experiences, and roles in the reception center which included social assistants, medical personnel, counselors, and psychologists.   

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ORIENTATION WORKSHOP

The Network of Afghan Diaspora Organisations in Europe (NADOE), organized a two-day workshop for 14 unaccompanied minors from Afghanistan residing at the Red Cross protection centers in Belgium.
The workshop was focused on three main topics :
(i) conflict prevention/resolution
(ii) self-development
(iii) future/career orientation

The workshop included interactive sessions, case studies, lectures, and experience sharing by the guest speakers.
The workshop started by discussing the cultural differences between Afghanistan and Belgium.
The questions were what is allowed and normal to do in Afghanistan and things that we should consider in a Belgian context. The participants were invited to discuss the similarities and dissimilarities in cultures of both countries and how to adapt to cultural differences, particularly which aspects of the culture of origin should be preserved and get to know the best side of the Belgian culture. The participants shared their experiences with cultural shocks and how they dealt with them through interactive games. The NADOE facilitators tried to explain and provide some tips to
the participants on how to handle cultural shocks.

DAY 1

On the first day, the guest speaker, Wali Sediqi, who also arrived as an unaccompanied minor in Belgium many years ago and is currently an entrepreneur and business coach, gave an informal talk to the participants. He shared his personal experience, how he dealt with the cultural differences, how he dealt with the problems, and how he turned all these problems into success in his life. He also explained how many businesses he coached, he showed how unaccompanied minors could start their own business in the future and how to follow their dreams. In the end, he provided his contact to the participants and offered his help to them in case they wanted to have their own business in the future. The guest speaker also shared the personal part of his experience, and he gave tips to the participants on how to avoid problems, and conflicts and explain the consequences of being involved in conflicts.
The first day of the event continued with interactive sessions on self-awareness and self-
development. The participants were provided suggestions and tips on how to be aware of misconceptions brought to them by others and how to make decisions based on knowledge and experience, not based on other people’s prescriptions or to follow others without consideration. The session was concluded with an interactive game where statements were prepared by the organizers and the participants had the choice to agree or disagree.

Then the reasons for agreement and disagreement were justified by the participants and it was discussed as a group among all the participants.
The first day was concluded by giving a task to be completed in the evening by the participants and a final guest speaker, namely Anwar Mohammad who works himself as a social worker in a reception center for unaccompanied minors and who graduated from Kabul University right before arriving in Belgium. The homework was focused on the life goals of the participants in Afghanistan and in Belgium. NADOE facilitators asked them what they had in mind for their future when they used to live in Afghanistan and what they have in mind now in Belgium. How much have their life goals changed and what were the drivers behind the changes. The guest speaker shared his experience settling in Belgium as a refugee from Afghanistan and how he managed to overcome the hardships in the beginning when he arrived. The guest speaker who had experience in conflict management and resolutions provided tips and guidance on how to avoid conflicts and how not to get in involved in the problems. He also explained the differences in cultures, and the importance of having respect for female colleagues, classmates, teachers, and social assistants. He explained the place of women in society in Afghanistan and in Belgium. He told them that we have a lot of respect for women in Afghanistan as well as in Belgium. The guest speaker concluded by responding to the questions of the participants and he shared his contact in case the participants wanted to ask more questions in private.

DAY 2

The second day of the workshop focused on four important points including life goals, access to higher education, conflict resolution, and avoiding group pressure. The life goals session was aimed at explaining to the participants about self-development after being on move or having to migrate to a new society. The participants were guided on how to effectively follow their goals in Belgium and a number of institutions and organizations that support people in establishing themselves were given
as examples. It was also explained how they can shift or adapt their original goals to new goals or follow their original life goals in Belgium. These points were covered because research has shown that when migrants including regular migrants face difficulties in living happily in their new host country until they adapt to the new environment. We explained the concept of acculturation or explaining all contact between individuals of different cultures. The concept of acculturation was
explained to give them a perspective on the variations in beliefs and cultural anomalies while one moves to a new country.
Another topic that was covered in the first session of the second day was explaining to the participants about intrinsic and extrinsic goals in a very interactive way. They explained that intrinsic goals are those that involve personal growth, loving relationships, health, and community service. Extrinsic goals include financial success, physical attractiveness, and social fame and/or popularity. It was also explained to the participants that it is alright to put on hold some goals in order to achieve others, and how to prioritize the goals. The participants were provided with the example of life goal orientation and then provided with materials to draw their own life goals. It was very interesting to see how the participants had learned to depict meaningful life goals.
The last part of the first session was focused on introducing some organizations that help refugees and asylum seekers with integration, access to education, access to work, and access to student jobs.
One of the organizations introduced was the NGO Refugeestudent (www.refugeestudent.be) which focuses on guiding and facilitating refugees with professionalizing themselves and offering them a potential student job, volunteer work, or internship. Other organizations that help and support refugees to achieve their life goals were introduced by a guest speaker, Mariam Himat who works for many years guiding youngsters in pursuing their educational goals. Another guest speaker,
Idrees Iqbal shared his experience and life story from the time he was an asylum seeker until the moment he reached most of his goals, obtaining university degrees and doing his dream job.

The last part of the second day also extensively covered conflict and conflict resolution. The audience was asked about the downsides as well as the benefits of the conflict through a simulative and interactive session on conflict resolution, resolving disagreements, and not getting into others’ issues. The participants were provided with tips on how to manage and resolve conflicts and explained how to establish a collaborative approach and how to foster an open, honest, and inclusive environment. The session was followed by a role-play of a conflict scenario on how to avoid group pressure. The session was complemented by a case study prepared by the facilitators. The workshop was concluded with handing certificates and prepared gifts to the participants and sharing contact in case of future questions from the participants to the facilitators.

REMARKS

As discussed after the workshop, we observed the participants to be surprisingly participative. They contributed fully to the two-day workshop and grabbed the opportunity to learn more about the cultural differences and ask their questions. Through the anonymity of the interactive game, many of them could freely speak up their mind. They also opened up that in the past they have been in the situation where they were involved in conflicts and how they will prevent it in the future. In the first
day of the event, participants had vague ideas of settling and making a successful future career plan while on the last day of the event they all had a plan for their future career as well as a vision on how to reach that goal.
The participants indicated that they had learned about stress management, and how to use their time in the camp to reach their goals and focus on their studies. They also indicated that they would work together with other participants and in case of misunderstanding or disagreements, they will actively listen to others and find then make decisions. They also discussed how to sustain a positive and fruitful relationship with their classmates and people inside and outside the reception center, particularly those from other countries and ethnolinguistic groups, and how to take care of their physical and mental wellbeing.

We observed that these workshops can be beneficial for all unaccompanied minors in the reception centers and not only those involved in a conflict.

We also observed that it does good for them to be able to share what’s on their mind and exchange the cultural differences in which they all live through. They had a particular need to explore the differences in the group and this together with individuals from their own country of origin and individuals from Belgium with an understanding of their country of origin.