Over the last 18 months SYNTHESIS Center for Research and Education has worked on the implementation of a series of activities under the AMIF funded project INTEgreat. The establishment of the Social Caffe was one of the most successful activities that we implemented and many people took part on a weekly basis.
SYNTHESIS has established the Social Caffe with the aspiration of managing to create a safe space where migrants can join various workshops and cultural events that will enable them not only to develop skills and competences for the labor market but also for adapting to the host culture and society. Sundays were established as the preferred days for the Caffe. The location and space was always the same, HUB Nicosia, and the invitation was open for all migrants living in downtown Nicosia. Workshops were promoted over our social media and disseminated through other networks that were working with migrants.
Workshops included, digital skills, Greek for communication, job readiness and Europass CV building were offered based not only on initial research on the needs and the ISF but also on a co-design, collaborative approach. Migrants who participated in workshops and gatherings had the chance to share their needs with the trainers and expressed their interest on various topics to be covered involving not only skills but also cultural aspects, mental health issues etc.
Every Sunday from 4-7 pm HUB Nicosia became a meeting place for migrants who were looking forward to learning something new or to spend their time productively. To make the space friendlier SYNTHESIS provided snacks and treats for all participants as well as creative material for children to play whilst their parents were attending the workshops. From the interactions with the migrants, it was clear that they embraced this weekly gathering and enjoyed the Social Caffe experience. It was evident from the feedback gathered that what mattered for them the most was the formation of a safe, friendly space that they could go to every weekend and communicate with others whilst also learning important skills.
The friendly atmosphere increased the popularity of the Social Caffe since migrants did not consider it a school but rather as a meeting point, a space for informal gatherings and this also boosted their confidence and their willingness to participate. The trainers also helped in creating this friendly atmosphere since they were open and always ready to listen. There was no judgment in the room and no criticism and all participants were treated by the trainers as charismatic individuals with the need for personal growth and development.
SYNTHESIS aspires to continue the implementation of the Social Caffe after the completion of the project with additional workshops and events and is currently seeking the participation of stakeholders and other local NGOs.
Overall, the creation of safe spaces and the building of trust between trainers/migrants is an important factor when it comes to the inclusion of migrants¡into local societies and the establishment of a regular meeting point at a consistent time and day.
