On 5-9 December 2022, the implementing team of the Nordic-Baltic Initiative For-In (Fostering refugee and immigrant integration/For Integration) together with UNHCR Representation for the Nordic and Baltic countries, and partners are organizing the study trip to Denmark and Sweden for national and local authorities from the Baltic countries.
The aim of the study visits in Denmark and Sweden is to acquire knowledge about the local integration policies and cooperation with NGOs to reinforce local-level reception/integration capacities and the development of holistic local-level integration action planning in the Baltic municipalities. It is anticipated that through meetings and discussions at hosting municipalities in Denmark and Sweden regional networks of integration practitioners will be built to further facilitate knowledge exchange.
The Baltic delegation
The Estonian delegation will consist of representatives from the local governments of Tartu City, Pärnu City, Jõhvi City, the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities, the Estonian Ministry of Culture, and coordinating project partner Tartu Welcome center.
The Latvian members will be from the local governments of Jēkabpils, Jelgava, Balvi, Aizkraukle, also the representatives from the coordinating project partners Social Integration Foundation and Providus.
From Lithuania, there will be civil servants from administrations of city municipalities of Vilnius, Klaipeda and Siauliai, also Akmenė District Municipality. The delegation will be joined by a representative of the Lithuanian Ministry of Social Security and Labour and the local coordinating partner Diversity Development Group.
Study visits programme: focus on challenges, opportunities, and solutions
In Denmark the Baltic delegation will visit municipalities of Roskilde and Gentofte where they will be acquainted with the local-level integration ecosystem, including linkages to national-level policies and municipal programmes, learn about the cooperation with civil society and NGOs, have meetings at day-care centers, language schools and private companies. The focus of the discussions will be on challenges, opportunities, and solutions – what works best. Site visits will be organized to places where integration services are provided, including language school and vocational training. The key NGO, Danish Red Cross, will share its experience in working with municipalities.
There will also a meeting be organized at the Agency for International Recruitment and Integration where the overview of national-level integration policies and linkages to integration work in municipalities will be presented.
In Eslöv municipality, Denmark, the delegation will learn about the integration work together with different NGOs, including language tuition (ABF), digitalization (Studiefrämjandet) ‘Pippi power’ (Save the children), and labor market inclusion.
An intensive program is planned in Sweden. During the visit to Malmö the Baltic partners will learn about Skåne Partnership in depth and meet representatives of Malmö municipality. Skåne Partnership is well known for its holistic and inclusive integration strategy of newly arrived refugees and immigrants focusing on long-term work for participation and knowledge.
It is planned to have meetings with the NGOs which are providing integration services for refugees and immigrants, such as the International Women’s Association (IKF) and “Hej Främling” (Hello Stranger!)
In Lund municipality, more knowledge will be delivered about the cooperation between the municipality and NGOs to coordinate the activities addressing the Ukrainian refugees’ situation in Lund.
