The 1st objective of the project was to bridge intercultural, intergenerational and social divides by improving the intercultural communicative competences of professionals working with refugees and migrants in Southern Europe. The 2nd objective focuses on the physical and mental health of refugees and migrants and their wellbeing through the participants' acquired skills. The 3rd objective was to contribute to the integration of refugee and migrant communities by fostering social inclusion and intercultural understanding. Inclusion and diversity in education were a main priority. We aimed to re-adapt, digitise and disseminate existing training material, while also creating and disseminating a digital educational game. Also, to deliver high quality learning opportunities to professionals working with refugees and migrants in the form of multi-day seminars. The objective was to increase their competencies in intercultural communication vis-a-vis medical needs and care, increasing their competences in covering the needs of the displaced population, to ultimately contribute to their societal integration. Finally, to enhance cultural understanding and respect among refugees, migrants, public authorities and humanitarian workers.
Greece, Italy and Spain, by virtue of geography, have always functioned as an entry migration point for people mainly from Asia, Middle East and Africa and most recently Ukraine. As displacement becomes protracted, refugees and migrants in Europe find themselves stranded for long periods in substandard conditions while often dependent on external aid. Τhe refugee and migrant population encounters obstacles regarding health care access, including barriers due to intercultural communication, language, finances and the complexity of administrative processes. Health and social care professionals often lack expertise in addressing refugees and migrants medical and pharmaceutical needs, highlighting the need for intercultural training which has often been in the shadow of technical medical training. High-level educational opportunities on matters related to diversity and intercultural communication are essential for professionals working with migrants and refugees, so as to empower them to better serve displaced communities and uphold every person’s fundamental right to health. Ultimately, equal access to health care for refugees and migrants is a key factor for their integration and the prevention of inequalities.