The EU-wide network led by Migrafrica gGmbH is a dynamic alliance of migrant youth organizations, civil society organizations (CSOs), public authorities, and stakeholders across Europe. This informal network, comprising connections with 21 diaspora youth organizations, serves as a platform to advance the economic, social, and political integration of young migrants. With a strong focus on fostering collaboration, resource sharing, and mutual learning, the network operates beyond Germany, covering a wide geographical area that includes active members in countries such as the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, and others.
The network is committed to empowering migrant youth and addressing the challenges they face, including limited opportunities and barriers to full participation in their communities. Its primary objectives are to facilitate the integration of migrant youth into the labor market, promote political participation, support the growth of social and business enterprises, and advocate for increased representation in decision-making structures at local, national, and EU levels.
Key Features of the Network:
- Geographical Reach:
- Active across Europe, the network spans countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Portugal, with additional partnerships extending to Africa (Ethiopia, Cape Verde, Senegal, Nigeria, Tanzania, Nigeria, and South Africa). This broad reach ensures a diverse and inclusive platform for exchange and collaboration.
- Focus Areas:
- Labor Market Integration: Implementing projects that equip young migrants with skills, qualifications, and opportunities for meaningful employment.
- Political Participation: Supporting initiatives such as Multipliers Plus and Structured Dialogue projects to enhance the political engagement of migrant youth.
- Social Entrepreneurship: Fostering innovation and sustainable impact through initiatives like House of Resources and entrepreneurship training programs such as Let’s Go.
- Volunteering Opportunities: Facilitating participation in the European Solidarity Corps, enabling migrant youth to engage in meaningful community work.
- Awareness and Advocacy: Addressing irregular migration, raising awareness about legal pathways to Europe, and promoting the European Solidarity Corps to engage migrant organizations in broader EU initiatives.
- Core Activities:
- Development and dissemination of methodologies and tools for community engagement, organizational and business development, project management, and communication strategies.
- Collaboration with European networks such as DYPALL and YEPP Europe to address critical themes including sustainability, social inclusion, and digitalization.
- Providing mentorship and role models for young migrants, fostering their entrepreneurial potential and leadership capabilities.
- Impact:
- The network has established a robust framework to empower young migrants, enhance their representation, and build a supportive ecosystem for their growth. By promoting mutual learning and knowledge exchange, it creates pathways for migrant youth to actively contribute to their communities and to European society at large.
Through its extensive reach and focused efforts, this EU-wide network exemplifies a collaborative, impactful approach to addressing the needs of migrant youth and advancing their integration, empowerment, and active participation in shaping Europe’s future.
List of members:
Here is a list of members of the EU-wide network on youth and Migration.
- Migrafrica gGmbH
- Citizen Association United Youth
- JAAPO
- Unterstützungsstruktur für und von Schwarzen MigrantInnen zur Verbesserung ihrer Lebenssituation in Puntland Community ry
- Stichting Interlock
- Palast der Löwin e.V.
- United Youth of Ireland
- African Development Agency
- Active Youth International
- Unitatea Administrativ Teritoriala Municipiul Caracal
- Gemeente Tilburg
- Migration and Development Council e.V.
- Bilim Dil Kültür Derneği
- Asociación Arrabal AID
- Sdruzhenie Walk Together
- Active Cypriot Programs and European Learning Into Acceptance (ACPELIA)
- Vsi Inovaciju Biuras
- Migration and Migration Alignment (MAMA)
- Meraki
- Jama Nyeta e.V.
- Active Youth
This list represents the diverse network of organizations collaborating within the EU-wide initiative.
Annual Program 2023
In 2023, the EU-wide network led by Migrafrica focused on enhancing the participation and integration of migrant young people while addressing the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on this community. The program emphasized mental health, environmental awareness, digitalization, and the development of pathways for social and labor market integration. A holistic approach was adopted to empower young migrants and their communities, enabling them to overcome barriers and actively contribute to societal development.
Key Focus Areas and Activities
- Mental Health and Well-being:
- Recognizing the heightened mental health challenges caused by the pandemic, the network provided training sessions on improving mental wellness.
- Activities promoting an active lifestyle, yoga, and sports were introduced as holistic approaches to support mental well-being among young migrants.
- Digitalization and Capacity Building:
- To address the digital divide, the program included training workshops, internships, and exchanges of best practices to enhance digital competencies.
- These initiatives targeted migrant-led organizations and youth, equipping them with essential digital skills for social and economic participation.
- Environmental Awareness and Sustainability:
- The program raised awareness about environmental protection, climate change, and biodiversity loss through youth exchanges and long-term cooperation projects.
- Collaborations with advocacy groups like “Fridays for Future,” “Parents for Future,” Greenpeace, and UN agencies further amplified the impact.
- Integration and Participation:
- The program organized volunteer activities through the European Solidarity Corps and other initiatives, providing young people with opportunities in fields like youth work, social work, gastronomy, and IT.
- Transnational and local training programs focused on entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, and community-based job creation. Programs like “ACT NOW” and “House of Resources” offered business incubation, seed funding, and continuous support to young entrepreneurs.
- Awareness on Migration Pathways:
- Information campaigns in African countries such as Senegal used social media influencers, sports personalities, and celebrities to highlight the dangers of irregular migration and promote safe, legal pathways to Europe.
- These campaigns aimed to counter narratives propagated by smugglers and provide young people with accurate, actionable information.
- Civic Engagement and Solidarity:
- Projects like „Into: European Solidarity Corps,“ „The Access to Opportunities: Youth Work in Migrant Communities,“ and „Promotion of Methods for Education of Marginalized Citizens in Environmental Protection“ fostered civic engagement, intergenerational solidarity, and youth work.
- Interactive, non-formal learning methods were used to promote belongingness and active citizenship among migrant youth.
- Strategic Partnerships and Network Building:
- Statutory and strategic meetings strengthened partnerships between member organizations, enhancing coordination and building a robust EU-wide network.
- Migrant youth-led projects ensured self-help and sustainability, while decision-makers were engaged to provide young migrants with insights into EU youth strategies and goals.
Impact
The 2023 program significantly enhanced the participation, integration, and empowerment of migrant young people by addressing critical issues such as mental health, digitalization, and environmental protection. The network’s initiatives fostered a sense of belonging, encouraged active engagement, and demonstrated the potential of migrant youth to achieve higher goals through hard work and commitment. By empowering multipliers and fostering collaboration, the program has created a ripple effect that will continue to benefit communities across Europe and beyond.
Resources
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Annual Program 2024
In 2024, NYM’s annual program achieved significant and transformative impacts, fostering empowerment, inclusion, and sustainable development for migrant youth across Europe. Through its dynamic approach and adaptability, the program addressed critical issues such as unemployment, participation in decision making and democratic participation, youth work, environmental awareness, mental health protection, and digital literacy. By the end of the year, the program directly impacted over 1,600 young people, exceeding its initial goals and leaving a lasting legacy.
One of the program’s central priorities was tackling the high unemployment rate among migrant youth, particularly in Eastern Europe, where both migrant and local youth face economic challenges. The program delivered practical training and resources to prepare young people for the job market and supported the establishment of new migrant-led enterprises. Key initiatives such as PROmoting the Civic Engagement and Employability of Disadvantaged Youth, Tackling Social Issues through Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Social Entrepreneurship Initiatives for Marginalized Groups empowered 600 young people to secure employment and facilitated the creation of 36 new migrant-led businesses. These efforts not only reduced unemployment but also provided sustainable opportunities for economic independence.
In addition to economic empowerment, the program placed a strong emphasis on democratic participation and social inclusion, recognizing the importance of migrant youth engagement in decision-making processes. With the upcoming EU Parliament elections, activities such as “Cities of Welcome”, Let’s Act on Inclusion!, and Youth in Action through Non-Formal Reaction! raised awareness about EU democratic practices and policies. By connecting youth with the EU’s vast opportunities through programs like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, the program encouraged activism and participation at local, national, and EU levels. Through these initiatives, 1,600 young people were directly engaged, while many more were reached through social media, flyers, and community radio campaigns.
The program also made a critical shift in its approach to youth work. While the Black to the Future 3: Sankofa Approach in Youth Work project was initially planned, it was not granted at the end. Instead, Migrafrica strengthened the The Access to Opportunities: Youth Work in Migrant Communities project, focusing on building the capacity of youth organizations in African Diaspora communities in Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Italy. This adjustment allowed the program to train 150 youth workers, support 24 youth organizations, and expand its reach. By creating spaces for knowledge exchange and resource sharing, the program revitalized youth work, ensuring it remained a cornerstone of community support.
Environmental protection, mental health, and digital empowerment also emerged as critical concerns for young migrants, and the program responded with tailored initiatives. Projects such as Green Way is My Way!, Protecting Youth Mental Health, Protecting Our Future, and The Pandemic of Disinformation provided young people with tools to address issues of climate change, mental health challenges, and digital integration. Through these initiatives, 300 young people and 150 youth workers developed skills for sustainable living, emotional resilience, and digital literacy. These efforts addressed urgent issues exacerbated by economic and geopolitical stressors, while also equipping youth with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The program’s success was further amplified by its comprehensive outreach strategy. Leveraging social media, community partnerships, and workshops, the program expanded its visibility and engagement. Youth ambassadors, creative content, and a user-friendly website ensured that the program reached its target audience effectively and inclusively.
Migrafrica’s 2024 annual program delivered profound impacts by addressing pressing challenges and adapting to meet emerging needs. Through its commitment to fostering inclusion, empowerment, and resilience, the program not only supported migrant youth but also strengthened communities across Europe, creating a sustainable foundation for future initiatives.
Resources
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Platform of Resources: Supporting Migrant-Led Organizations and Youth Initiatives
The Platform of Resources serves as a centralized hub designed to empower migrant-led organizations and youth initiatives across Europe. It provides access to a wide range of tools, methodologies, and support systems aimed at enhancing capacity, fostering collaboration, and driving impactful projects.
Key features of the platform include:
- Training Modules: Comprehensive resources on topics such as project management, digital skills, mental health, and advocacy.
- Toolkits: Practical guides for community engagement, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
- Networking Opportunities: A space to connect organizations and individuals, facilitating the exchange of good practices and fostering partnerships.
- Resource Sharing: Access to funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and technical support to enhance organizational effectiveness.
- Capacity Building: Workshops, webinars, and tailored training sessions for multipliers and community leaders.
The platform is a dynamic resource designed to support the growth, integration, and participation of migrant youth and their communities, enabling them to lead impactful initiatives and contribute actively to society.
Disclaimer
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.