The main objective of “Trainers for the Future” was to contribute to the social and professional development of women with a migration background. We wanted to increase the confidence and independence of the participants by stimulating participation and focusing on their qualities and objectives. The specific objectives were: 1. To increase specific employment skills of talented women with migrant backgrounds working at FMDO and Netwerkpro. 2. To enrich the organization by training and retaining talent within the organization. 3. To support vulnerable women with a migration background to take the next step by offering them a tailored empowerment program. 4. To create awareness and attention for the potential and added value of development of employees from the target group within organizations.
The partners Netwerkpro (NWP) Netherlands and Federatie van Mondiale en Democratische organisaties (FMDO) Belgium believe that everyone can play an active role in society by engaging in activities and participate in work. In many local community organisations and foundations motivated people are actively participating in programs and activities, either as a volunteer, peer support worker, mentor or trainer. At the same time, not everyone has access to these offerings, as they might not be aware of the opportunities, have a low level of the local language, a small social network, or not have the financial means to participate. During our activities, we have seen that vulnerable women (for example women with a migration background, single mothers, or women who are not in employment or education) often experience these barriers by searching for work or volunteering opportunities, or other forms of participation in society. FMDO and NWP wanted to develop a program to train talents they have discovered among the people actively participating in their programs annually to become trainers. This contributes to the retention of talent, diversity, and inclusion within the organizations and at partner organizations.