As part of the United Nations Week, which was organised this year to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the UN, the International Organisation 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, brought the Destination Europe activity to the Gymnázium Andreja Kmeťa in Banská Štiavnica.
30 high school students took part in this interactive workshop, which offered a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of decision-makers shaping migration policy in the European Union.
The session began with an introduction to the topic of migration, followed by a role-playing workshop where students experienced decision making from the point of view of European Commissioners, ministers, mayors, business owners, NGO representatives and other stakeholders. Through discussion and debate, students explored how migration policies are created and how decisions can affect the lives of migrants and public opinion.
Students reflect on the workshop
The activity helped students to better understand the complexities of migration and also encouraged them to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others to find balanced solutions.
Students’ feedback shows, that many were surprised to see how their decisions affected various groups of migrants in different ways and how many factors they had to consider when making policy choices. Participants suggested that the experience helped them realise the importance of balancing diverse perspectives and interests when designing informed migration policies.
As almost all participants expressed their desire to study or work abroad in the future, the activity also offered them a personal insight, showing that migration decisions may one day directly influence their own lives.
All photos © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2025.
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