Strengthening capacities for better health care to refugee and migrant children Erasmus Project

Project Title

Strengthening capacities for better health care to refugee and migrant children

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 vocational education and training

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2018

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Health and wellbeing; Migrants’ issues; Integration of refugees

Project Summary

Over 1.2 million people applied for asylum in 32 European countries in 2016, 1/3 of which were below 18 years of age. Migrant and refugee children are particularly vulnerable at all stages of the journey and have specific health needs. Traumatic experiences in the country of origin and on the migration journey, as well as experiences of discrimination, social exclusion, poor living conditions and acculturation issues in the host country can negatively affect both their physical and mental health. In addressing the needs of migrant/refugee children during reception and integration processes there is a significant role for physicians, social workers, psychologists and cultural mediators, who, however, appear to lack the specialized knowledge and capacity to respond to this role. The need to improve knowledge about migrant health, enhance access to care and promote specialized training among health care professionals across Europe is widely recognized.

The central aim of the EU-VET CARE project was to develop innovative training for health care professionals (physicians, social workers, psychologists, cultural mediators) for delivering appropriate health services to migrant and refugee children, including unaccompanied minors. The objectives were:

a) Enhance professional capacity to respond to the needs and specific health/social issues that most affect migrant/refugee children
b) Enhance partner capabilities so as to develop and deliver training to professionals working with migrant/refugee children
c) Increase awareness of the relevant professional communities and organizations on the training
d) Raise awareness about the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Six partner organizations from Germany, Spain, Greece, Italy and Cyprus, reflecting different conditions and integration stages migrant/refugee children face, worked towards achieving the project objectives and establishing cooperation across Southern and Northern Europe. In order to ensure its relevance and high quality, the training was based on a review of existing training opportunities and participatory research with target group representatives from diverse backgrounds to determine knowledge gaps and training requirements. The resulting evidence-based training package includes a training curriculum methodology and a diverse array of training tools aimed to improve relevant knowledge, skills and competencies for the target groups. The training includes common and specialized modules per professional category, in order to foster interdisciplinary learning and in-depth expertise. Topics covered include unique issues faced by migrant/refugee children, such as children’s rights/protection systems, communication, mental/physical health needs, disease prevention, child trafficking, age assessment, and professionals’ burnout. Training can be administered both through face-to-face educational events and through an e-learning platform in the consortium languages. The “Guidance and recommendations for VET trainers” provides the essential guidelines for VET professionals and stakeholders. Multiplier transnational and national events took place to enhance exchange of knowledge among interested parties. Dissemination efforts targeted participating organizations, service providers and relevant authorities at local/regional level, and professional associations, VET providers, academic institutions, migrant organizations, child protection agencies, governmental services and policymakers at national/European level. Outputs and impact were monitored and measured based on a detailed evaluation plan and clearly defined indicators.

More than 100 professionals from the target disciplines took part in the focus groups. Additionally, more than a dozen staff members and more than one hundred healthcare professionals were trained. More than 180 stakeholders participated in the transnational and national multiplier events. Bringing together transnational EU expertise and fostering cooperation between professional groups helps address the service gaps in providing care for the most vulnerable among migrants and refugees. The project raised awareness at all levels about the vulnerabilities and needs of both migrant/refugee children and the professionals who care for them, as well as the need for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Long term impact involves improved care for migrant/refugee children and the development of a more effective, integrated approach in the provision of services to migrant/refugee children. More concretely, the e-leaning platform will remain active for at least two years after the end of the project. In addition to facilitating access to the developed training materials, the platform provides interaction and networking possibilities, as well as remote training tools for trainers and finally certified training modules for target professionals.

Project Website

https://www.euvetcare.eu/

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 373841,57 Eur

Project Coordinator

ETHNO-MEDIZINISCHES ZENTRUM EV & Country: DE

Project Partners

• PROLEPSIS Civil Law Non Profit Organization of Preventive Environmental and Occupational Medicine
• TECHNOLOGIKO PANEPISTIMIO KYPROU
• FAROS
• ZADIG SRL
• UNIVERSITAT DE VALENCIA