IncluCities aims at improving the integration of Third-country Nationals
Pair 2
MENTOR
Mechelen (BE)
87.000 inhabitants
32% of the population has a migration background or foreign origin*
City of Mechelen and the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG)
MENTEE
Capaci (IT)
11.500 inhabitants
The region has a changing population of migrants or people of foreign origin*
City of Capaci and the Italian Association of CEMR (AICCRE)
NEEDS
(Capaci)
- Sicilian region is together with Lampedusa the entry point for many migrants coming to Italy. First emergency response in reception centres is often failing, local governments are overwhelmed.
- They want to improve integration of newcomers with permission to stay (about 190,000 migrants on the island). Challenges: lack of education, active participation, social inclusion and interaction with the local community.
- Capaci and the whole district would like to become an attractive territory for migrants, a land in which migrants can grow and work. They also want to become an example of good integration practices for other cities in the region and in the country.
STRENGTHS
(Mechelen)
- A reference for an inclusive, diverse city (136 nationalities speak 69 different languages)
- Training programmes of social employment, support to migrant families with small children, equal opportunities for education
- Active engagement of local community and social inclusion, PIM - positive identity and community building to prevent radicalisation
- Best practice 'Buddies with refugees'
Theme
How to build a vision of a city for all?
Benchmarks & Key factors
Developing and embedding a civic identity, culture and strategy that celebrates and harnesses diversity as a key strength.
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