We wanted to develop and test a non-formal integration education method (and related activities) that uses non-formal learning methods and is also suitable for people who have difficulties with formal learning methods and link this method to the already developed method Alternative Ways of learning a second language, because we feel strongly that civic integration and language learning are linked and both of utmost importance for a good integration of newcomers. Moreover, we wanted to develop and test a self-assessment tool for learners of the Alternative Ways method, to assess both their acquired language skills and their level of integration into their new society in an accessible and encouraging way. And we wanted to develop and test a blueprint for training in the Alternative Ways method for facilitators working with newcomers on their language acquisition and civic integration and make all the aforementioned 'products' free available and easy accessible for everybody (facilitators, learners and others) interested via the Alternative Ways website. Ultimately, we wanted newcomers, including the short-skilled, to feel faster and better at home in their new homeland by applying the Alternative Ways method.
Newcomers in European countries are expected to learn the language and culture of their new home country. Governments and affiliated organisations have developed various courses to this end. However, as we have experienced in our work with newcomers and through conversations with people who work with them, these miss their target in fairly common cases, either because they are set up too formally or because the newcomer is very short or not educated at all, making it difficult or impossible for them to process the information offered. This observation and the good experiences with our Alternative Ways to learn a new language method (developed in an earlier Erasmus+ project) prompted us to develop an alternative method for civic integration as well that is based on non-formal learning principles and playfulness. We think, are actually convinced, that our Alternative Ways method to learn a new language and become part of a new society contribute to the successful integration of newcomers, including the short-skilled ones. And successful integration is of vital importance for each individual, each society and for the cohesion and well-being of the whole European Union.