The project is responding to two current and urgent educational needs in Europe i.e.
(1) the rise in migrant and refugee numbers
(2) the persistent inequality and persecution of Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans-gender groups (LGBT).
Combined together these two characteristics makes LGBT migrant and refugees one of the most vulnerable groups in modern Europe. Our project aims to help address this issue by increasing the knowledge, skills and awareness of all those adult professionals who come in contact with them.
In particular, EpsiLon will focus on sharing, developing and transferring innovative practices in education targeting professionals and volunteers working in services for LGBT asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. It will develop a innovative, evidence-based, user-led educational tools in order to raise adult learners’ awareness and sensitivity to the needs of all those with LGBT background. The educational tools will enable the professionals and volunteers to identify these LGBT groups’ most current and urgent needs some even reaching on issues of survival, dignity and respect. It will also help them challenge their own biases and improve their skills in providing tailored and culturally sensitive services. The need for the development of such training programme is highlighted at top level by all competent organisations such as UNHCR and the EP.
In addition to traditional methods of training and skills development, the project will construct an e-learning course that will form part of Certification and self-assessment. This will allow its practical results to
(a) reach widely outside of the participating countries through free, online access Europe-wide
(b) continue being delivered after the project’s funding is finished
(c) reach groups in society that would not have been otherwise able to receive the face-to-face package and in print material
(d) reward and formally accredit its target audiences.