The primary aim of the project was to strengthen the capacities and competencies of ECOntACT trainers. Our specific objectives were the following: To improve our capacity to deliver high quality training to enable learners to develop community-led educational programmes and self- organised entrepreneurial activities, especially building capacities within migrant learners and disadvantaged learners. To Improve our capacity to provide high quality, relevant and responsive active citizenship programmes. Develop our skills in themes such as collaboration, leadership and agile management. Expanding our theoretical and practical knowledge of horizontal and agile organisational forms To develop relationships with organisations working along similar intersectional themes elsewhere in Europe.
ECOntACT works to support community development. A transversal aim of our association is to promote through our adult education work values of solidarity and respect for cultural diversity and identity within communities. Working with diverse target groups, predominantly communities that are at risk of social exclusion and economic disadvantage, we focus on the inclusion and integration of minorities, particularly migrants and disadvantaged learners. Through our work, we have witnessed a rise of xenophobia and racism that correlates with the rise in numbers of people seeking asylum in Italy in recent years. The impact of this rise in racism and xenophobia can be seen most communities that are deprived of services and resources and facing economic disadvantage. When compounded these issues cause social problems such as a lack of cohesion, anti-social behaviour and violence. In order to target such issues and realise our organisational objectives of promoting peace, solidarity and inclusion, we feel we must address these issues with our adult education programmes This project presented the opportunity for us to build the necessary knowledge base and training skills needed to help us realise these aims with its focus on anti-discrimination, inclusion and diversity training.