In the dynamic environment of Fedasil reception centers, the blending of cultures plays a crucial role, as does the need for a warm welcome and peaceful coexistence. Here, intercultural mediators hold a central position. Working closely with social workers and interpreters, they form an indispensable link in fostering harmony within the centers and ensuring a smooth transition to other reception structures.

Optimizing the engagement and effectiveness of intercultural mediators in Fedasil reception centers to ensure the best possible integration of refugees within the centers and facilitate accurate referrals to appropriate follow-up structures.

The labor markets in both Belgium and the Netherlands are facing a significant shortage of nurses and social workers. At the same time, there is a group of highly educated, non-Dutch-speaking newcomers with relevant qualifications and experience. However, obstacles such as language barriers, non-recognition of qualifications, and the difficult combination of work and study ensure that this potential remains underutilized.

This project aims to develop models and concrete tools for universities and employers, enabling newcomers with relevant experience as nurses and social workers to work sustainably at their qualification level. By the end of the project, we hope to have a broad group of stakeholders in the Flanders-Netherlands border region actively using these models and tools.

1. In Flanders (B): Thomas More (lead), AP Hogeschool, HOGENT, Ziekenhuis aan de Stroom en Welzijnszorg Kempen
2. In the Netherlands: Gemeente Rotterdam, Stichting Zuyderland, Zorg aan Zet, Zuyd Hogeschool en Hogeschool Utrecht

For newcomers in our society, smooth integration is not always self-evident. The language is different, but so are the social norms and conventions.
The networking and participation pathway aims to support newcomers in building a social network and fostering a stronger local connection within their new environment.

Newcomers who are required to follow the civic integration programme and are not working or studying are obliged to participate in this pathway.

The programme consists of a minimum of 40 hours and can include, for example, a buddy project, an internship with a company, association, or local government, volunteer work, or participation in community activities.
Participants can also combine different activities. All activities take place in a Dutch-speaking context and are designed to promote social participation.

KLIK stands for creating a “click” — a genuine connection with people, with new contacts and communities, and with the region itself.
This helps newcomers feel at home while enabling local citizens and organisations to get to know them better. In this way, we build mutual understanding and reciprocity.

Within the framework of civic integration, we emphasise connection: we create a “click” with newcomers by focusing on what we share.

The participation and networking pathway is one of the four components of the civic integration programme.
Together with our partners, we aim to inspire and mobilise as many citizens and organisations as possible in the Kempen region to take an active role in this process — ensuring that every newcomer can follow a pathway that matches their needs and interests.