Training program in elderly care and infectious disease prevention for the integration of refugees from the Middle Eastern and African countries in western society Erasmus Project

Project Title

Training program in elderly care and infectious disease prevention for the integration of refugees from the Middle Eastern and African countries in western society

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for adult education

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2020

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Intercultural/intergenerational education and (lifelong)learning; Integration of refugees; Cooperation between educational institutions and business

Project Summary

Context: With the continuous incoming of refugees from African and Middle East countries being under non-stop war conflicts (Nigeria, Congo, Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan) being undiminished or poorly reduced, a workforce is appearing in Europe and in particular in Mediterranean European countries, that could become part of the field of care. World widely, due to lack of interest from local professionals, there is a continuous increase in the recruitment of carers from third countries (Lamura et al., 2013). Cangiano et al. (2014) indicated that up to 2014 and the previous ten years, the demand for carers from third countries at the European level was exceeded, with Mediterranean countries in second place. Moreover, due to the lack of education and only experience-based knowledge acquired in the workplace (home, private structure), migrants/refugees employed, are quickly driven into situations of burn-out.
Research has also shown that due to a lack of theoretical and practical knowledge and cultural differences, cases of injury and inpatient hospitalization are increased due to errors in the way of care (Fusco, 2014). Based on international literature and research, the above could be addressed and improved by appropriate training in theoretical and practical-professional levels, as indicated in this proposal. Also, through this project and dissemination actions, the opportunity is given to improve the quality of life, to reduce the unemployment of refugees/migrants, and to be able to integrate smoothly into the labor market.
Objectives: This project describes and proposes a refugee and migrant integration training process into the labor market of both the country of residence and the European market through a complete intercultural “on the job” training – based on a Migrant/Refugee Care Giver (R/MCG) educational needs analysis- that declines the cross-cultural gap in caregiving process and a certified intercultural training will be available for future trainers. Through this project, a Trainee/Intern opportunity and a Certification will be given to the participants through a training program in English as an international language of communication and the language of the country of residence and training. The primary training will be in the profession of caregiver, specialized in elderly care, and will take place in real Elderly Care Units given by care professionals. The aim is the smoother integration of the beneficiaries in the workplace and the development of communication skills that are important within a society as well as a professional setting. It also offers the possibility of securing work at the end of the training to selected beneficiaries.
Moreover, the training of trainers will take place, targeting the methodology of how to train appropriately the R/MCGs. A web platform and an application will be developed, where videos of well practice courses and texts, including the part of the caregiver’s professional terminology, will be available for every participant and trainer at any time. Finally, QoL research will be conducted and an effort for a cost-benefit analysis during the training and about the benefits, the effectiveness of the project’s outcomes, and their impacts on individual, societal, governance, and policymaking.
Participants: Refugees and Migrants mainly coming from Africa and Middle Eastern Countries, care professionals such as nurses, caregivers, psychologists, adult trainers, and researchers. The HERO training project targets elderly Care Units, NGOs, Universities, Colleges, and social enterprises, and the expected reach are over 10.000 people, units, and organizations, including stakeholders and policymakers.
Activities: Educational Needs Analysis and Focus Groups, Curriculum “on the job” Training in language and terminology, Curriculum “on the job ” Training in caregiving & specialization in the provision of elderly care for trainers and trainees, Piloting, Validation of the training material, learning activities and a Quality of Life (QoL) and effectiveness research. Also, meetings of the partners, and dissemination activities such as seminars, congresses in the countries of implementation, a webpage with full updating, articles in scientific papers, and forums. The project management is considered as the main activity of the project.
Methodology: Our methodology includes a) tasks and outcomes according to international quality criteria b) measurable data mining, research, and analysis c) target group involvement and input c) promotion and raising awareness d) meetings and reports e) inclusive approaches f) development of intercultural specified training material and protocols.
Long Term Impact:
-Integration of refugees & migrants in societal and professional aspects
-Upgrade of the QoL and well-being of the beneficiaries
-Certified & applicable educational process by other institutions/elderly care units
-Community and society awareness of R/MCGs usefulness & acceptance

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 221564 Eur

Project Coordinator

AGECARE (CYPRUS) LTD & Country: CY

Project Partners

• TECHNOLOGIKO PANEPISTIMIO KYPROU
• AKTIOS YPIRESIES YGEIAS KAI PERITHALPSIS ILIKIOMENON KAI CHRONIOS PASCHONTON ANONYMI ETAIREIA
• ISTITUTO NAZIONALE DI RIPOSO E CURA PER ANZIANI INRCA
• SPSI,SA
• Computer Solutions SA