SMILE-project

SMILE - Schools, communities and services building new integration dialogues

The Project’s main objective is to strengthen migrant family integration through service development and new dialogue methods with communities, schools and services in Vantaa neighbourhoods.    

This will be achieved through introducing a family and community level approach into the integration discourse. The project will pilot different community-based methods in strengthening the integration and employment of migrants.    

The objectives will be developed in three Work Packages: 

1. Coaching for employment: Language and culture sensitive employment coaching and service counselling in support of integration via five local service providers. Strengthening and opening new partnerships between migrant-led NGO’s and municipal employment services.
2. Communities and families supporting migrant children in education: Creating new cooperation and communication between families, communities and the schools. 
3. Local solutions through cocreation at local level: Developing new channels and tools of dialogue between migrant communities and services in Vantaa.

The project will be carried out in three Vantaa Neighborhoods: Hakunila district and Lehtikuusi School, Hakukoski district and Koivukylä School and Myyrmäki district and Martinlaakso school. The leading partner is City of Vantaa and Laurea acts as a partner. The project activities will be carried out in partnership with multiple actors in the areas. 

The Project is funded under a wider agreement between the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and the European Commission (Directorate General for Home Affairs) whose purpose is to improve the inclusion of migrants in EU Member States through the development of new partnerships and new forms of financing.