At Social Hackers Academy (SHA), we believe in the transformative power of education and technology. As part of the European co-funded INTEgreat project, SHA has taken a pivotal role in fostering the social and economic integration of refugees and asylum seekers. Our mission within the project has been to empower individuals from marginalized communities by providing them with the technical skills and confidence to create lasting change—for themselves and their communities.
Building Skills, Creating Opportunities
The INTEgreat website development initiative is a prime example of this philosophy in action. Refugees and asylum seekers who participated in the program worked closely with SHA mentors, learning front-end web development skills and applying them to a real-world project: building the very platform that serves as a hub for the INTEgreat project. From coding to design, participants were actively involved at every stage of the development process.
Through tailored guidance and a supportive learning environment, SHA mentors ensured that participants not only gained technical expertise but also developed teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Tools like Discord and Trello were employed to facilitate seamless collaboration, while daily stand-up meetings provided a structure for progress tracking and issue resolution.
Overcoming Challenges Together
Integration projects like this often encounter challenges such as language barriers and varying levels of technical proficiency among participants. SHA tackled these hurdles by fostering a culture of peer learning, pairing participants with diverse skills to support one another. Regular mentorship and open communication channels further ensured that everyone could contribute meaningfully to the project.
Impact That Lasts
The skills acquired through this initiative have not only enhanced participants’ employability but also fostered a profound sense of belonging and empowerment. By contributing to a project of such social significance, participants transitioned from being beneficiaries to being active contributors in their communities. The INTEgreat website now stands as a testament to their hard work and determination, serving as a resource hub for integration strategies across Europe.
Looking Ahead
As SHA continues its journey with the INTEgreat project, our focus remains on scaling the impact of our initiatives. By equipping refugees and asylum seekers with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age, we aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
