SUMMARY Digital skills are crucial for jobs and social inclusion. The rapid growth of internet access and connectivity has paved the way for the development of a digital economy around the world. However, there are large inequalities due to a lack of digital skills in both developed and developing countries, particularly in terms of socio-economic status, ethnic background, gender, geography, age and educational attainment (UNESCO 2018). The Covid 19 pandemic has made the situation even more dramatic, especially with regard to forced migration. Refugees are one of the most vulnerable groups in European society. They are even more affected by the consequences of the pandemic than the majority population and there is currently no prospect of an improvement in the situation. The accreditation or nostrification of their vocational training is often a further obstacle to the pursuit of a profession that corresponds to their qualifications and to a meaningful integration into society. On the other hand, refugees have a huge potential to contribute to society and to the ambitious goals of the EU Green Deal. They have a powerful role to play in driving the transformation towards climate neutrality forward, and could become climate diplomats in third countries. The @Go4DiGREEN@ digital job training program aims to improve the situation of European refugees by improving digital and entrepreneurial skills of this target group in a measurable and sustainable way. Addressing core principles of the EU, such as accessibility and inclusion, and contributing to the European Green Deal, the project consortium will develop barrier-free and needs-oriented training materials on green entrepreneurship through the synthesis of specifically selected systems and tools that have already proven their worth (e.g. Digicomp, Entrecomp, MOOCs4inclusion, digital accessibility, ECQA, etc.) with the involvement of the target group right from the start through the design thinking approach. The outputs of the project are: 1) Design Thinking: digital guidelines to empower potential green entrepreneurs for the target group of vocational trainers 2) A Certification Scheme - European Green Entrepreneur for the target group of vocational trainers - “ECQA Certified Refugee Entrepreneurship Trainer in Green Economy” 3) Accessible Learning Materials to become a Certified European Green Entrepreneur - “ECQA Certified European Green Entrepreneur” the target group of refugees and migrants as well as for persons who want to acquire digital skills and qualifications as entrepreneurs in the green economy. 4) A Digital vocational training platform - Green Entrepreneur for the target group of refugees and migrants as well as for persons who want to acquire digital skills and qualifications as entrepreneurs in the green economy. @Go4DiGREEN@ will analyse all 442 EntreComp learning outcomes from the 3 areas of competence 1) Ideas and opportunities, 2) Resources and 3) Taking action, making them accessible and adaptable to the target group. The result will be two new ECQA certificates: a) ECQA-certified European Green Entrepreneur, and b) ECQA certified trainer/consultant for refugee entrepreneurship - Green Economy The expected impact is to make refugees fit to become European green entrepreneurs, so that they can contribute to the objectives of the Green Deal: Europe needs a clean and circular economy with more recycling, sustainable and intelligent mobility and greener products in our shops.
Put focus on digitalisation and its place in the humanitarian field and the direct interventions to the refugees, as well as within the refugee assisting organisations. Design a digital training course for newcomers to empower them to open a green business. Involve the target groups into the development from the beginning by using the design thinking approach. Raise awareness on digital accessibility and its legislations, applicable to the project partners, their organisations and the external participants whether they are trainees or stakeholders. Provide a digitally accessible (EU Standard EN 301 549) vocational training program for newcomers, with learning and training materials Foster the entrepreneurial spirit of refugees, their self-reliance and economic independence, by enabling them to contribute positively to society and the local economy. Promote sustainable practices and environmental awareness within the business sector by equipping refugees with the tools to establish and operate environmentally friendly businesses. Raise awareness about sustainability and environmental issues, both within the refugee community and the broader society by organising focus groups, workshops and training sessions.
Refugees are one of the most vulnerable groups in European society. Statistics from the OECD's International Migration Outlook 2020 have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic quickly led to an economic crisis to which the vulnerable group of refugees was disproportionately exposed. Migrants and refugees often work in the hardest-hit sectors. Yet these groups have enormous potential, as many of these refugees are potential entrepreneurs. We didn't focus on the weaknesses and skills gaps, but used their strengths, talents and potential to excel and become a green entrepreneur in a digital economy. By focusing on the refugees' resources and strengths, the skills gaps and weaknesses can be overcome much easier and faster. So, we used Design Thinking methods to involve our target groups in the development right from the beginning. The project addressed the needs in the field of the refugees' economic integration and empowerment: • rollout of new digital tools for refugee integration • introduction of methodologies for the co-creation of solutions • digital transformation of the humanitarian response • training in digital and entrepreneurial skills • creation of sustainable economic opportunities within the green business sector