Fourth regional multi-stakeholder cooperation platform for migrant and refugee integration in Saône-et-Loire

The regional platform is set up in the framework of the Share SIRA project, our European project co-funded by the European Union’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, which aims at strengthening and expanding the social orientation and overall integration of newcomers in rural territories in Europe. Besides Saône-et-Loire, regional multi-stakeholder cooperation platforms have also been set up in 9 other rural regions in Europe. Click here to find out more about these regions!

On 31 May 2022, Entraide Pierre Valdo, with the support of the SHARE Network, organized the fourth roundtable of the regional multi-stakeholder cooperation platform for migrant and refugee integration in the department of Saône-et-Loire, France.  

21 stakeholders joined the online event including NGOs, mainstream service providers, public employment bodies, volunteers as well as refugees and migrants. 

Participants started with a small roundtable and an individual reflection on “What does the SHARE SIRA projects means for you?”. The event continued with a presentation of the updates on the project and its pilot actions in Isère, Vaucluse and Corrèze. Participants showed great interest in learning more about the other SIRA pilot projects in France. 

The Association Humanity provided updates on its pilot project “Make a wish” funded in the framework of the SIRA project. Almost 10 refugees (or wishers) have been benefited from the project so far with different projects such as photography, cooking, permaculture, crickets etc. The involvement of the host community was highlighted by the testimony of an expert of permaculture who is sharing his knowledge and is training a wisher. A refugee, also, took the floor and talked about her wish and how it is empowering her.  

Later, the field team presented the news of the departement, such as new projects and actions, arrivals of families, etc. A specific focus was made on the current emergency related to arrivals from Ukraine. Participants discussed emergency shelters, as well as challenges in accessing housing and employment.  

The event continued with workshops and exchange of practices. A session was held on “what would be the ideal coordination?”. The main points that were highlighted were:  

• Better identification of the 5w (who, where, what, why, for who) and how referral can work between organizations and agencies, 

• Creation of partnerships and common projects, 

• Organisation of regular thematic working groups,  

• Taking into consideration the lack of time and availability of actors. 

The main outcomes of the discussion were about the challenges faced by organizations in Saône-et-Loire to implement coordination.    

In conclusion, participants were reminded of the next steps, in particular the look and learn visit that will happen in Isère from 27 to 29 September 2022. 

The 4th regional roundtable was the last in the series of regional roundtables of the Share SIRA. Various stakeholders from Saône-et-Loire have met over the past months to discuss the integration of newly arrived refugees and migrants. Fruitful discussions and interesting debates on integration needs, access to services and challenges faced by newcomers during the integration process took place, while participants had the opportunity to better coordinate, share their experiences and exchange good practices. Some of them will have the occasion to meet again at the National Roundtable that will take place this autumn 2022. Through the multi-stakeholder platforms, the Share Network has also been able to provide trainings tailored to the needs of local actors and to collect data on the region and integration frameworks in the form of Factfiles.  

Through transnational activities and events, the project has also encouraged the exchange of practices and promoted inspiring grassroot practices at European level, thus making the link between practice and policy.  

Share Network would like to thank all stakeholders who participated in the roundtables for their commitment and important contribution. 

 More information about the activities in Saône-et-Loire can be found on the regional webpage.