The Most Project ERF Community Actions

1
The Most ProjectERF Community Actions

• Testing of parallel processes

2
Problems Most Project was panned to address

• Firstly, resettled refugees are not expected to
  work until they have learned the language,
  adopted local habits, studied the working culture
  etc. In this situation, it is easy to adopt
  the role of a client
• In Finland, the MOST Project sought solutions for
  this problem by testing methods for a direct
  inclusion into the labour market
• Secondly, language studies are often provided by
  specialised organisations, and contacts with
  local inhabitants are limited to free time
• The Most project tested language learning
  programmes, which combine theoretical studies and
  practical communication with good results

3
Problems Most Project was panned to address

• Thirdly, authorities and specialised NGOs run
  integration programmes and the participation of
  both social partners and local inhabitants is
  almost non-existing during the first phase of the
  integration process
• The Most Project was aimed to diversification of
  responsibilities by involving work communities
  and employers right from the beginning
• In order to access employment, networks and
  references are needed gt refugees made contacts
  with local population and in the future they will
  have networks and references

4
Problems Most Project was panned to address

• Fourthly, information on the habits and
  structures of the new society is shared in a way,
  which lacks cultural competence
• RCOs (refugee community organisation) were
  involved through post-arrival orientation modules
  as a part of the training programme gt information
  sharing was more understandable for the newcomers
  
• Fifthly, information-sharing on refugees often
  emphasise their vulnerability
• The Most Project was aimed to prove that in spite
  of all the hardships of the past, many of them
  are willing and capable to work, study and shape
  their future like any other newcomers

5
Results and conclusions

• Learning of the local language has been quicker
  because it is used all the time
• Motivation for language studies has been better
  because there is a real need to learn it
• Dependency on authorities and other helpers has
  decreased because there are colleagues, local
  networks of ordinary people and people from the
  same cultural background whom to ask help
• Self-confidence is better gt refugees feel
  subjects instead of objects
• It is waste of time to do one thing at a time
  when people can proceed in their integration
  process through parallel activities