The International Organization for Migration (IOM), as the coordinator of the European Migration Network (EMN) in Slovakia, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, took part in the activities of the UN Week and organised Destination Europe workshop in three grammar schools.
In total, 67 students from the Gymnazium Andreja Kmet’a in Banská Štiavnica, the Gymnázium Dominika Tatarku in Poprad, and the Gymnázium Juraja Hronca in Bratislava participated in these interactive sessions, gaining insights into how decision-making about migration policy works.
The workshop started with a migration overview, which allowed these second-year high school students to get an improved understanding of the subject. Then, throughout the workshop, students engaged in the Destination Europe role-playing activity, where they took on roles as ministers, European Commissioners, and non-governmental organization representatives. By exploring the perspectives of various stakeholders and making decisions on issues related to migration and integration, students were able to see how each choice impacts the lives of different migrants and observe the balance between national and EU-level interests. The workshop also allowed students to enhance essential skills such as communication, negotiation and leadership, as well as critical thinking and collaboration.
Based on the feedback, students found the role-play activity very engaging, some of them stated that making decision was indeed hard in the light of the arguments from others. At the start of the activity, many students expressed their interest in studying, working, or living abroad for some time. This experience gave them a chance to realize that migration decisions impact not only others but could also shape their own futures.
All photos © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2024
EMN Slovakia organizes workshops on the topic of migration as part of which students can try the educational tool Destination Europe.
The workshop is divided into two sessions of 1,5 hours each, but the duration can also be adjusted according to the needs of a school or class. The workshops are free of charge.
EMN Slovakia will be glad to provide you with more information. Please contact them by e-mail: ncpslovakia@iom.int