African Center of Slovenia
A project in the framework of Promoting Development in Europe: Towards a Critical Mass and Beyond - SLOVENIA
Mission
The African Center is an open association which seeks to bring together Africans living in Slovenia with the local population interested in Africa. It endeavours to raise awareness on issues affecting Africa and the Africans.
Targets
- To raise awareness about development issues regarding Africa
- To provide a platform for and empower African people living in Slovenia
- To provide a platform for people interested in development and Africa
Allies in this project
Dr. Mirjam Milharčič-Hladnik (ZRC SAZU, Slovenian Institute of Migration)Dr. Janez Pirc (Institute for Ethnic Studies)
Mag. Neža Kogovšek (Peace Institute)
Metka Naglič (Amnesty International Slovenije)
Mag. Eyachew Tefera (Institute for African Studies)
Dr. Sarah Lunaček (Department for Asian and African Studies, Faculty of Arts)
Dr. Jože Vogrinc (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts)
Dr. Rajko Muršič (Department of Ethnology, Faculty of Arts)
Dr. Milena Mileva Blažič (Faculty of Education)
Ervin Hladnik (Journalist of Dnevnik)
Dinah Musindarwezo (Rwanda Association of University Women)
Activities
Interviews with migrants, November 2008 - February 2009
We conducted 8 interviews with Africans living in Slovenia. The purpose of this activity was to actively include African migrants and to develop their experience, views and opinions as the basis for upcoming roundtables and discussions about topics on migration and development. Exerts from the interviews were presented as a starting point points for discussion within the roundtables which took place during Phase 2 of the project.
Workshop for migrants, March 2009
We conducted a workshop for African migrants in Slovenia. The purpose of the workshop was to provide migrants with information, advice and experience in order to help them solve residency status, work permit and health service problems that they may experience in Slovenia. The workshop was composed of two parts. For the first part we invited two lecturers, who were experts in the fields of residency, employment and health service issues, to provide analysis and give legal advice. For the second part we invited four African migrants living in Slovenia who based their firsthand experience were able to present best practice solutions to solving issues of residence status, family reunion and gaining a work permit.
Roundtable talks March – June 2009
6 roundtable discussions were organised on the following topics:
• Why people migrate from Africa
• Historical patterns of migration - from Africa towards the EU & vice versa
• Media representation of African migrants in Slovenia/EU
• Representation of Africans in the Slovene educational system
• Migration and human/legal rights
• Impact of migration on sending and on receiving countries
Seminar - July to September 2009
A seminar was carried out and education materials were prepared.
Outcome
8 interviews (digital material and transcripts)
1 workshop for Africans in Slovenia (18 people attended)
6 roundtable discussions (around 14 people attended each)
We have gathered important and valuable firsthand information about the causes of migration, effects and possible solutions from the Africans living in Slovenia. The outcomes of roundtable discussions are a concise overview of the current state of migration and development affairs and a source of possible solutions and proposed activities.