Unverbal
Basic information
Project Title
Unverbal
Full project title
Univerbal - A migrant women led Community Interpreter service to vector Inclusion via social economy
Category
Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Project Description
Univerbal (Liege, Belgium) trains migrant women community interpreters and is an intermediary with the local healthcare services employing them. Univerbal empowers its beneficiaries: Univerbal’s interpreters receive quality and tailored training, regain self-esteem, combat structural unemployment, provide service directly helping other migrants, and have shared governance of their project. Those receiving interpretations obtain affordable, quality services with short waiting time.
Geographical Scope
Regional
Project Region
Walloon region, Belgium
Urban or rural issues
It addresses urban-rural linkages
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
Yes
Which funds
ESF : European Social Fund
Description of the project
Summary
Univerbal is a social interpretation project that also promotes economic stability, environmental responsibility within the migrant community, a sense of belonging and cultural integration, leading to greater social cohesion.
It was created in 2016 following an alarming situation of migrant exclusion in Belgium. Indeed, according to Eurostat (2018) the risk of poverty and social exclusion was 47.8% for non-EU migrants compared to 11.4% for natives. Thus, Univerbal's mission is to promote effective inclusion and dignity of migrants via the development of a social interpreting service aimed at ensuring their access to fundamental rights including asylum, health, decent housing and employment.
This mission, of which sustainable transition is a cross-cutting theme, has 2 objectives:
-Organize specialized and needs-based vocational training courses. This helps develop the linguistic, professional and intercultural skills needed for migrant employment.
-Set up an inclusive community interpreting service managed by the migrants themselves. This not only eliminates language barriers faced by non-French-speaking migrants in their integration process, but also creates jobs for the interpreters, under a social economy model.
Univerbal's activities include reinforcing mother-tongue and French language skills, -discovering the profession of a social interpreter through practical exercises, role-playing, internships, visits, etc., -introducing the intercultural approach, -providing concrete social, civic and legal information, -certification by the University of Mons, -developing partnerships with Walloon social services, -and organizing interpreting assignments.
Since 2016, 180 migrants have been trained, the employment rate of participants is 50%. The Univerbal service has generated a growing income of xx in 2018 and xx in 2022. Moreover, undocumented mothers also participate in this project, enabling them to ensure the survival of their children.
It was created in 2016 following an alarming situation of migrant exclusion in Belgium. Indeed, according to Eurostat (2018) the risk of poverty and social exclusion was 47.8% for non-EU migrants compared to 11.4% for natives. Thus, Univerbal's mission is to promote effective inclusion and dignity of migrants via the development of a social interpreting service aimed at ensuring their access to fundamental rights including asylum, health, decent housing and employment.
This mission, of which sustainable transition is a cross-cutting theme, has 2 objectives:
-Organize specialized and needs-based vocational training courses. This helps develop the linguistic, professional and intercultural skills needed for migrant employment.
-Set up an inclusive community interpreting service managed by the migrants themselves. This not only eliminates language barriers faced by non-French-speaking migrants in their integration process, but also creates jobs for the interpreters, under a social economy model.
Univerbal's activities include reinforcing mother-tongue and French language skills, -discovering the profession of a social interpreter through practical exercises, role-playing, internships, visits, etc., -introducing the intercultural approach, -providing concrete social, civic and legal information, -certification by the University of Mons, -developing partnerships with Walloon social services, -and organizing interpreting assignments.
Since 2016, 180 migrants have been trained, the employment rate of participants is 50%. The Univerbal service has generated a growing income of xx in 2018 and xx in 2022. Moreover, undocumented mothers also participate in this project, enabling them to ensure the survival of their children.
Key objectives for sustainability
Univerbal sustainability objectives:
Resource efficiency
The interpreters' role in ensuring effective communication and accurate diagnoses from the beginning reduces the number of unnecessary medical tests. This optimization of the diagnostic process leads to a more sustainable use of economic and material resources. Univerbal, by facilitating this efficient resource use, actively contributes to reducing waste and environmental impact.
Reducing carbon footprint
Univerbal has been developing video interpreting system, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, to address cases where distances are considerable. This innovation not only ensures that people receive quality services but also reduces the project's carbon footprint. By embracing technology to bridge communication gaps, Univerbal minimizes the need for physical transportation, aligning with climate goals and striving for a more sustainable future.
Ongoing environmental training
Interpreters, an integral part of the project, are not only linguistic experts but are also receiving training on environmental issues. The E+ MiGreenDeal project https://migreendeal.infodef.com.es/ is a prime example of this commitment. Interpreters have shown their dedication by signing up for this initiative for 2024. This training on environmental matters fosters a culture of sustainability and ecological awareness among interpreters. By equipping them with knowledge and tools to support sustainable practices, Univerbal actively contributes to the sustainability axis of environmental education and awareness.
Sustainable transition
At Univerbal, sustainable transition is a cross-cutting theme. It is inseparable from the social economy. This integrated approach ensures that sustainability is at the forefront of the project's core values and objectives. It reflects a commitment to sustainability in both social and environmental aspects.
This multidimensional approach can easily be implemented elsewhere
Resource efficiency
The interpreters' role in ensuring effective communication and accurate diagnoses from the beginning reduces the number of unnecessary medical tests. This optimization of the diagnostic process leads to a more sustainable use of economic and material resources. Univerbal, by facilitating this efficient resource use, actively contributes to reducing waste and environmental impact.
Reducing carbon footprint
Univerbal has been developing video interpreting system, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, to address cases where distances are considerable. This innovation not only ensures that people receive quality services but also reduces the project's carbon footprint. By embracing technology to bridge communication gaps, Univerbal minimizes the need for physical transportation, aligning with climate goals and striving for a more sustainable future.
Ongoing environmental training
Interpreters, an integral part of the project, are not only linguistic experts but are also receiving training on environmental issues. The E+ MiGreenDeal project https://migreendeal.infodef.com.es/ is a prime example of this commitment. Interpreters have shown their dedication by signing up for this initiative for 2024. This training on environmental matters fosters a culture of sustainability and ecological awareness among interpreters. By equipping them with knowledge and tools to support sustainable practices, Univerbal actively contributes to the sustainability axis of environmental education and awareness.
Sustainable transition
At Univerbal, sustainable transition is a cross-cutting theme. It is inseparable from the social economy. This integrated approach ensures that sustainability is at the forefront of the project's core values and objectives. It reflects a commitment to sustainability in both social and environmental aspects.
This multidimensional approach can easily be implemented elsewhere
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The Beauty of understanding: The world becomes more beautiful when its intricacies can be comprehended, when one can deeply appreciate the city and find beauty in the new life in a host society. Interpreters play a great role in fostering this sense of beauty. They transform it into a more beautiful place by erasing language barriers and fostering mutual understanding. Through their linguistic skills, interpreters create a sense of appropriation and beauty in their host societies. The quality of experience is elevated as people connect, understand, and find beauty in the diversity around them, thanks to the interpreters' invaluable role.
Facilitating cultural discovery: Interpreters, as cultural mediators, have a unique capacity to facilitate the discovery of the cultural richness and artistic expressions of the host country. They serve as guides, helping people to appreciate and immerse themselves in the local cultural offer. This process of cultural appreciation, under the interpreters' guidance, leads to an aesthetic experience that transcends mere words. It encompasses the beauty of sound, music, linguistic accents, calligraphy, and other art forms. Interpreters become conduits for the aesthetic exploration of the host country's cultural tapestry.
Aesthetic spaces of inclusivity: The Univerbal project, through the interpreters' active role, contributes to the aesthetic experience of the city by providing a welcoming space. This newly renovated space emphasizes multiculturalism and warmth in its decoration. It serves as more than just a physical location; it acts as a hub of intercultural exchange and understanding. The interpreters, as key figures in this space, create an environment where people can gather, share a tea or coffee, and find solace in a place that incubates different projects open to the public. This space represents not only an aesthetic oasis but also a testament to the beauty and well-being that arise from diversity and inclusivit
Facilitating cultural discovery: Interpreters, as cultural mediators, have a unique capacity to facilitate the discovery of the cultural richness and artistic expressions of the host country. They serve as guides, helping people to appreciate and immerse themselves in the local cultural offer. This process of cultural appreciation, under the interpreters' guidance, leads to an aesthetic experience that transcends mere words. It encompasses the beauty of sound, music, linguistic accents, calligraphy, and other art forms. Interpreters become conduits for the aesthetic exploration of the host country's cultural tapestry.
Aesthetic spaces of inclusivity: The Univerbal project, through the interpreters' active role, contributes to the aesthetic experience of the city by providing a welcoming space. This newly renovated space emphasizes multiculturalism and warmth in its decoration. It serves as more than just a physical location; it acts as a hub of intercultural exchange and understanding. The interpreters, as key figures in this space, create an environment where people can gather, share a tea or coffee, and find solace in a place that incubates different projects open to the public. This space represents not only an aesthetic oasis but also a testament to the beauty and well-being that arise from diversity and inclusivit
Key objectives for inclusion
Migrants have linguistic talents that can structure an interpreting service in a social environment in Liege. Following the recent migratory flows in Europe and Ukrainian crisis, the associations need these skills to fulfill their missions with their public of foreign origin. The Univerbal project proposes an innovative device to value the know-how, talents, and skills of migrants in the linguistic field.
The key objectives include:
- Provide accessible and affordable social interpretation services: Univerbal services are accessible to a wide range of non-French speaking users in South Belgium from different low socio-economic backgrounds. Moreover, it ensures the service is accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities.
-Contribute to inclusion: Univerbal promotes an inclusive governing system which is inclusive and empowering for the migrant women leading Univerbal, with a focus on diversity and representation.
- Support new societal models: Univerbal promotes a new societal model that values diversity, inclusiveness, and seeks to break down barriers to resources’ access and real integration.
Univerbal can be exemplary by:
- Fostering a culture of diversity and inclusiveness - promoting an atmosphere of respect and understanding towards different cultures and backgrounds in Europe.
- Empowering migrant women - providing opportunities for migrant women to develop their skills and become leaders in their communities.
- Partnership - working with a range of organizations and stakeholders to promote the initiative and bring about change at a wider societal level.
-Advocacy- a platform to raise awareness of the importance of social interpreting services, and the role of migrant women in promoting inclusion and integration. Example of inclusion LGBTQIA+ rights translated into 7 languages (Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Farsi and Georgian) on the Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNtYa0aMFqI
The key objectives include:
- Provide accessible and affordable social interpretation services: Univerbal services are accessible to a wide range of non-French speaking users in South Belgium from different low socio-economic backgrounds. Moreover, it ensures the service is accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities.
-Contribute to inclusion: Univerbal promotes an inclusive governing system which is inclusive and empowering for the migrant women leading Univerbal, with a focus on diversity and representation.
- Support new societal models: Univerbal promotes a new societal model that values diversity, inclusiveness, and seeks to break down barriers to resources’ access and real integration.
Univerbal can be exemplary by:
- Fostering a culture of diversity and inclusiveness - promoting an atmosphere of respect and understanding towards different cultures and backgrounds in Europe.
- Empowering migrant women - providing opportunities for migrant women to develop their skills and become leaders in their communities.
- Partnership - working with a range of organizations and stakeholders to promote the initiative and bring about change at a wider societal level.
-Advocacy- a platform to raise awareness of the importance of social interpreting services, and the role of migrant women in promoting inclusion and integration. Example of inclusion LGBTQIA+ rights translated into 7 languages (Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Farsi and Georgian) on the Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNtYa0aMFqI
Results in relation to category
Univerbal has a positive social impact for users and for the community as a whole :
Increased supply of interpreters in the Liège region, as demand remains higher.
Greater access to rights namely to health - physical and mental, housing, asylum.
Continuity of care facilitated.
Univerbal, since its inception in 2016, has been an impactful force in fostering personal growth, empowerment, and community engagement, all aligned with the principles of inclusivity, aesthetics, and sustainability.
So far, Univerbal has trained 192 interpreters. These individuals have gained valuable language skills and undergone a transformative process, enabling them to regain self-confidence, find their place in the community, and embrace active citizenship.
Univerbal innovative methodology was compiled in a pedagogical guide allowing transferring and replication.
Moreover, Univerbal created some podcasts in different languages, addressing topics like gender-based violence and support for the LGBT community, contributing to a more informed society and inclusivity.
In collaboration with the University of Liège, Univerbal developed a skill referential for community interpreting. This tool enhances the quality of interpretation and enables accurate skill evaluation.
Univerbal created paid work for 45 individuals, secured 20 jobs in partner organizations, and 9 directly in the project. This achievement aligns with poverty reduction by reducing unemployment and reliance on social support systems, ensuring long-term well-being and autonomy.
Through effective communication and overcoming language barriers, Univerbal contributes to healthcare resources' efficiency, reducing unnecessary medical tests and promoting continuity of care. The project contributes to a more sustainable healthcare system by generating less unnecessary waste.
The project is dedicated to creating spaces of profound aesthetic value where intercultural exchange and understanding flourish.
Increased supply of interpreters in the Liège region, as demand remains higher.
Greater access to rights namely to health - physical and mental, housing, asylum.
Continuity of care facilitated.
Univerbal, since its inception in 2016, has been an impactful force in fostering personal growth, empowerment, and community engagement, all aligned with the principles of inclusivity, aesthetics, and sustainability.
So far, Univerbal has trained 192 interpreters. These individuals have gained valuable language skills and undergone a transformative process, enabling them to regain self-confidence, find their place in the community, and embrace active citizenship.
Univerbal innovative methodology was compiled in a pedagogical guide allowing transferring and replication.
Moreover, Univerbal created some podcasts in different languages, addressing topics like gender-based violence and support for the LGBT community, contributing to a more informed society and inclusivity.
In collaboration with the University of Liège, Univerbal developed a skill referential for community interpreting. This tool enhances the quality of interpretation and enables accurate skill evaluation.
Univerbal created paid work for 45 individuals, secured 20 jobs in partner organizations, and 9 directly in the project. This achievement aligns with poverty reduction by reducing unemployment and reliance on social support systems, ensuring long-term well-being and autonomy.
Through effective communication and overcoming language barriers, Univerbal contributes to healthcare resources' efficiency, reducing unnecessary medical tests and promoting continuity of care. The project contributes to a more sustainable healthcare system by generating less unnecessary waste.
The project is dedicated to creating spaces of profound aesthetic value where intercultural exchange and understanding flourish.
How Citizens benefit
Citizens benefit from or are affected by Univerbal in the following ways:
- Improved access to services - Citizens who are non-native speakers or have limited language proficiency use Univerbal to access a wider range of services and opportunities.
- Better communication - citizens who are non-native speakers communicate more effectively with service providers, reducing misunderstandings and improving overall quality of services, and resource efficiency.
- Reduced social and linguistic barriers - citizens who are non-native speakers break down language and cultural barriers, improving relationships and promoting integration.
- Increased inclusion - citizens who are non-native speakers feel more included in their communities and more connected to their surroundings, improving overall well-being.
In conclusion, the Univerbal project bridges up the gaps between natives and migrants and therefore, it contributes to overall well-being and social cohesion.
The involvement of civil society organisations entails in partnership – service promotion and dissemination- as well as providing feedback and qualitative input.
Actually, various civil society organizations participate in the training of interpreters in a partnership approach, offer internship opportunities and are Univerbal's main clients. They also provide feedback to help improve the quality of Univerbal's services.
In short, civil society organizations play a crucial role in the very life of this project.
- Improved access to services - Citizens who are non-native speakers or have limited language proficiency use Univerbal to access a wider range of services and opportunities.
- Better communication - citizens who are non-native speakers communicate more effectively with service providers, reducing misunderstandings and improving overall quality of services, and resource efficiency.
- Reduced social and linguistic barriers - citizens who are non-native speakers break down language and cultural barriers, improving relationships and promoting integration.
- Increased inclusion - citizens who are non-native speakers feel more included in their communities and more connected to their surroundings, improving overall well-being.
In conclusion, the Univerbal project bridges up the gaps between natives and migrants and therefore, it contributes to overall well-being and social cohesion.
The involvement of civil society organisations entails in partnership – service promotion and dissemination- as well as providing feedback and qualitative input.
Actually, various civil society organizations participate in the training of interpreters in a partnership approach, offer internship opportunities and are Univerbal's main clients. They also provide feedback to help improve the quality of Univerbal's services.
In short, civil society organizations play a crucial role in the very life of this project.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
The innovative character of Univerbal (see video here https://youtu.be/4KiQYfBQV3w) lies in its unique approach to addressing the challenges faced by migrant communities. This service, led by migrant women, differs from mainstream non-profit actions dedicated to migrant inclusion in several ways:
- Empowerment: Univerbal empowers migrant women by providing them opportunities to lead and participate in the design and implementation of the service, which promotes their self-esteem, sense of purpose, and leadership skills.
- Cultural sensitivity: Univerbal takes into consideration the cultural and linguistic background of the target population, providing a culturally sensitive and understanding environment for migrants.
- Community-led: Univerbal is community-led, meaning that it is designed and implemented by members of the migrant community, which leads to a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges faced by migrants. Example of multilingual podcast "Les fils d'Ariane" against gender violence https://soundcloud.com/user-345205147
- Peer-support: Univerbal provides peer-support, as migrant women can support each other, share experiences, and work together to address common challenges.
Overall, Univerbal led by migrant women is an innovative approach to addressing the needs of migrant communities and promoting their inclusion and empowerment.
Success factors:
- Cooperation with a variety of other public and private actors (including the city of Liège regional hospitals)
- Integrated approach to the needs and rights of migrant women
- Cooperation with players able to respond to different needs of migrant women
- Development of the initiative in a European/international context (taking into account existing standards, recommendations, etc.)
- Strong focus on the promotion, through the training, of values & principles of NPO Le Monde des Possibles such as democracy, participation and equal opportu
- Empowerment: Univerbal empowers migrant women by providing them opportunities to lead and participate in the design and implementation of the service, which promotes their self-esteem, sense of purpose, and leadership skills.
- Cultural sensitivity: Univerbal takes into consideration the cultural and linguistic background of the target population, providing a culturally sensitive and understanding environment for migrants.
- Community-led: Univerbal is community-led, meaning that it is designed and implemented by members of the migrant community, which leads to a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges faced by migrants. Example of multilingual podcast "Les fils d'Ariane" against gender violence https://soundcloud.com/user-345205147
- Peer-support: Univerbal provides peer-support, as migrant women can support each other, share experiences, and work together to address common challenges.
Overall, Univerbal led by migrant women is an innovative approach to addressing the needs of migrant communities and promoting their inclusion and empowerment.
Success factors:
- Cooperation with a variety of other public and private actors (including the city of Liège regional hospitals)
- Integrated approach to the needs and rights of migrant women
- Cooperation with players able to respond to different needs of migrant women
- Development of the initiative in a European/international context (taking into account existing standards, recommendations, etc.)
- Strong focus on the promotion, through the training, of values & principles of NPO Le Monde des Possibles such as democracy, participation and equal opportu
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The design and implementation of Univerbal involves several disciplines, including:
- Linguistics: to ensure the language interpretation is accurate and culturally appropriate with Mons University.
- Computer Science: to design and build the technology platform used by Univerbal.
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): to make the platform user-friendly and accessible for people with different abilities.
- Social Sciences: to understand the social and cultural context in which Univerbal is being used, and to design the service to meet the needs of its users.
- Business and Marketing: to develop a business plan for Univerbal and market it to potential users.
-Customer care and communication.
Representatives from these different fields typically interact with each other through cross-functional teams, where they collaborate to design and implement the service. The added value of this process is that it brings together expertise from a range of perspectives to create a service that is well-rounded, effective, and responsive to the needs of its users.
So the design and implementation of Univerbal likely involves various disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, linguistics, and community development.
Representatives of these fields collaborate in areas such as needs assessment, Univerbal design, and program evaluation. They work together to understand the cultural and linguistic background of the target population, and design a service that meets their specific needs.
The added value of this interdisciplinary process is the creation of a comprehensive and culturally sensitive service that addresses the needs of the target migrant population. The collaboration of experts from different fields from Liege and Mons Universities provides a holistic approach to the design and implementation of the service, incorporating different perspectives and expertise to create a successful and impactful program in Wallonia (Belgium)
- Linguistics: to ensure the language interpretation is accurate and culturally appropriate with Mons University.
- Computer Science: to design and build the technology platform used by Univerbal.
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): to make the platform user-friendly and accessible for people with different abilities.
- Social Sciences: to understand the social and cultural context in which Univerbal is being used, and to design the service to meet the needs of its users.
- Business and Marketing: to develop a business plan for Univerbal and market it to potential users.
-Customer care and communication.
Representatives from these different fields typically interact with each other through cross-functional teams, where they collaborate to design and implement the service. The added value of this process is that it brings together expertise from a range of perspectives to create a service that is well-rounded, effective, and responsive to the needs of its users.
So the design and implementation of Univerbal likely involves various disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, linguistics, and community development.
Representatives of these fields collaborate in areas such as needs assessment, Univerbal design, and program evaluation. They work together to understand the cultural and linguistic background of the target population, and design a service that meets their specific needs.
The added value of this interdisciplinary process is the creation of a comprehensive and culturally sensitive service that addresses the needs of the target migrant population. The collaboration of experts from different fields from Liege and Mons Universities provides a holistic approach to the design and implementation of the service, incorporating different perspectives and expertise to create a successful and impactful program in Wallonia (Belgium)
Methodology used
The methodology used by Univerbal involves the following steps:
-Participatory needs analysis including migrant women.
- Community engagement: The Univerbal service involves reaching out to women migrant communities to understand their language interpretation needs and gather input on how the service can best meet their needs.
- Partnership building: The Univerbal service involves partnering with organizations that work with migrants, such as non-profits or government agencies, to provide language interpretation services to their clients. This can help to ensure that the service is widely accessible and can reach a large number of beneficiaries.
- Capacity building: The Univerbal service involves training women migrants to provide language interpretation services, helping to build their skills and capacity. This can help to ensure that the Univerbal service is provided by individuals who understand the needs and cultural context of women migrants.
- Technology development: The Univerbal service involves developing technology platforms that can be used to provide language interpretation services to women migrants. This involves developing user-friendly interfaces, secure communication channels, and efficient matching systems to connect users with interpreters.
- Monitoring and evaluation: The Univerbal service involves regular monitoring and evaluation to assess the impact and effectiveness of the service and make improvements as needed. This involves collecting feedback from final migrant users/institutional customers and monitoring key performance indicators, such as the number of users served, and the quality of the interpretation provided.
In conclusion, the methodology used by Univerbal led by women migrants involve a combination of community engagement, partnership building, capacity building, technology development, and monitoring and evaluation to provide effective and accessible language interpretation.
-Participatory needs analysis including migrant women.
- Community engagement: The Univerbal service involves reaching out to women migrant communities to understand their language interpretation needs and gather input on how the service can best meet their needs.
- Partnership building: The Univerbal service involves partnering with organizations that work with migrants, such as non-profits or government agencies, to provide language interpretation services to their clients. This can help to ensure that the service is widely accessible and can reach a large number of beneficiaries.
- Capacity building: The Univerbal service involves training women migrants to provide language interpretation services, helping to build their skills and capacity. This can help to ensure that the Univerbal service is provided by individuals who understand the needs and cultural context of women migrants.
- Technology development: The Univerbal service involves developing technology platforms that can be used to provide language interpretation services to women migrants. This involves developing user-friendly interfaces, secure communication channels, and efficient matching systems to connect users with interpreters.
- Monitoring and evaluation: The Univerbal service involves regular monitoring and evaluation to assess the impact and effectiveness of the service and make improvements as needed. This involves collecting feedback from final migrant users/institutional customers and monitoring key performance indicators, such as the number of users served, and the quality of the interpretation provided.
In conclusion, the methodology used by Univerbal led by women migrants involve a combination of community engagement, partnership building, capacity building, technology development, and monitoring and evaluation to provide effective and accessible language interpretation.
How stakeholders are engaged
The engagement of different stakeholders at various levels (local, regional...) in the design and implementation of Univerbal was carried out through a series of consultation processes, workshops, and meetings.
- Local Level: Local migrant women communities were engaged through outreach and engagement programs. Community leaders, local organizations and relevant Walloon government agencies were invited to participate in consultation processes to provide their input on the design and implementation of Univerbal.
- Regional Level: Regional Walloon stakeholders, including regional government agencies and organizations, were engaged through a series of workshops and meetings. These stakeholders provided valuable input on the design and implementation of Univerbal, as well as the necessary support to ensure its successful roll-out in Wallonia.
- European Level: European stakeholders, international organizations (European Trade Union Confederation) were engaged through consultations and meetings to provide their input on the promotion of the Univerbal service. We are also working to join the network ENPSIT (European Network for Public Service Interpreting and Translation - http://www.enpsit.org/). These stakeholders provided funding, technical expertise, and other resources to support the implementation of the service at the regional level.
Overall, the engagement of stakeholders at various levels was critical to the design and implementation of Univerbal. The input and support provided by these stakeholders helped to ensure that the service was designed and implemented in a way that meets the needs of the local communities and is sustainable over the long-term.
- Local Level: Local migrant women communities were engaged through outreach and engagement programs. Community leaders, local organizations and relevant Walloon government agencies were invited to participate in consultation processes to provide their input on the design and implementation of Univerbal.
- Regional Level: Regional Walloon stakeholders, including regional government agencies and organizations, were engaged through a series of workshops and meetings. These stakeholders provided valuable input on the design and implementation of Univerbal, as well as the necessary support to ensure its successful roll-out in Wallonia.
- European Level: European stakeholders, international organizations (European Trade Union Confederation) were engaged through consultations and meetings to provide their input on the promotion of the Univerbal service. We are also working to join the network ENPSIT (European Network for Public Service Interpreting and Translation - http://www.enpsit.org/). These stakeholders provided funding, technical expertise, and other resources to support the implementation of the service at the regional level.
Overall, the engagement of stakeholders at various levels was critical to the design and implementation of Univerbal. The input and support provided by these stakeholders helped to ensure that the service was designed and implemented in a way that meets the needs of the local communities and is sustainable over the long-term.
Global challenges
The Univerbal project at its local level addresses several global challenges among others:
-Fight against poverty- by creating employment and ensuring that interpreters get appropriate payment of fees for their job – contracts between skilled migrants and public bodies following a tendering process. --Reduced inequalities: the training and employment contribute to reducing inequalities among migrants and natives.
-Fight against climate change: this goal is met through adopting green and sustainable practices as mentioned above.
-Human rights promotion: the main mission of Univerbal is to ensure access to fundamental rights.
- Health and well-being: we work mainly with hospitals and communication facilities; we contribute to people’s well-being.
-Gender equality: Univerbal is a women project.
-Democracy: we organize and carry the project based on multiple and complementary competencies to tend towards a democratic and egalitarian functioning.
-Social cohesion: Univerbal uses the intercultural approach to bridge up the gap between people speaking different languages.
-Partnership promotion: still in progress, we are working with Liège municipality and regional migration services to improve Univerbal’s services.
-Fight against poverty- by creating employment and ensuring that interpreters get appropriate payment of fees for their job – contracts between skilled migrants and public bodies following a tendering process. --Reduced inequalities: the training and employment contribute to reducing inequalities among migrants and natives.
-Fight against climate change: this goal is met through adopting green and sustainable practices as mentioned above.
-Human rights promotion: the main mission of Univerbal is to ensure access to fundamental rights.
- Health and well-being: we work mainly with hospitals and communication facilities; we contribute to people’s well-being.
-Gender equality: Univerbal is a women project.
-Democracy: we organize and carry the project based on multiple and complementary competencies to tend towards a democratic and egalitarian functioning.
-Social cohesion: Univerbal uses the intercultural approach to bridge up the gap between people speaking different languages.
-Partnership promotion: still in progress, we are working with Liège municipality and regional migration services to improve Univerbal’s services.
Learning transferred to other parties
The following elements of Univerbal can be replicated or transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries, and contexts:
- Community-led approach: The community-led approach, where Univerbal is designed and implemented by members of the migrant community, could be replicated in other contexts to address the specific needs of different communities.
- Peer-support model: The peer-support model, where migrant women support each other and work together to address common challenges, could be adapted to support other groups facing similar issues.
- Intercultural approach: The focus on cultural sensitivity and understanding, which involves taking into consideration the cultural and linguistic background of the migrant population, could be replicated in other services to promote intercultural awareness and inclusivity.
- Digital approach: The use of technology, such as mobile apps, to provide interpreting services could be adapted to other contexts and adapted to the specific needs of different migrant communities.
-Environmental friendly approach : sustainable transition is among Univerbal guidelines. This can be emulated in all other social projects.
-Needs-based capacity building: The training and capacity building programs for migrant women to develop the skills and knowledge could be replicated in other contexts to empower other groups. See also the creation of a guide for professionals in the migration and LGBTQIA+ sector working with newcomers. Download the multilingual guide in annex.
Overall, these elements of Univerbal represent a replicable and transferable methodology, technology, and approach that can be adapted to support other communities facing similar challenges in Europe. The DG HOME AMIF Union Migrant Net project coordinated by the European Confederation of Trade Unions encourages to spread the words about social economy dedicated to migrant inclusion https://www.unionmigrantnet.eu/wp-content/uploads/20
- Community-led approach: The community-led approach, where Univerbal is designed and implemented by members of the migrant community, could be replicated in other contexts to address the specific needs of different communities.
- Peer-support model: The peer-support model, where migrant women support each other and work together to address common challenges, could be adapted to support other groups facing similar issues.
- Intercultural approach: The focus on cultural sensitivity and understanding, which involves taking into consideration the cultural and linguistic background of the migrant population, could be replicated in other services to promote intercultural awareness and inclusivity.
- Digital approach: The use of technology, such as mobile apps, to provide interpreting services could be adapted to other contexts and adapted to the specific needs of different migrant communities.
-Environmental friendly approach : sustainable transition is among Univerbal guidelines. This can be emulated in all other social projects.
-Needs-based capacity building: The training and capacity building programs for migrant women to develop the skills and knowledge could be replicated in other contexts to empower other groups. See also the creation of a guide for professionals in the migration and LGBTQIA+ sector working with newcomers. Download the multilingual guide in annex.
Overall, these elements of Univerbal represent a replicable and transferable methodology, technology, and approach that can be adapted to support other communities facing similar challenges in Europe. The DG HOME AMIF Union Migrant Net project coordinated by the European Confederation of Trade Unions encourages to spread the words about social economy dedicated to migrant inclusion https://www.unionmigrantnet.eu/wp-content/uploads/20
Keywords
inclusion
migrant women
beauty of languages
interculturality
social economy
