Xenophobia and Stereotypes

Aims & objectives

The specific TC was organized due to the need to address rising discrimination phenomena in Greece leading to violence and terror. The activities involved a research carried out in private schools and colleges in Thessaloniki, aiming at locating the root of the problem by discovering young people's point of view about people from other countries. The objectives were: 1. To address xenophobia from a historical, cultural and cultural perspective, so as to better understand it as a phenomenon.2. To locate the roots of xenopobia, so as to find ways to combat it. 3. To raise awareness about immigration laws and social rights. 4. To bring together different voices and points of view. 5. To contribute to a more just and pluralistic sociy. The outcomes of the research conducted served as a platform to construct a TC about social rights, stereotypes and prejudice, which climaxed into a model conference on the 20th of March, with the participation of local ngos and educational institutions. It was proven that xenophobia and racism often stems from ignorance and at a lesser degree from rigid prejudice.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

2 experts from Russia and Portugal, 15 participants from Greece, Albania, Georgia, Fyrom and Spain. Target group: Young people aged 13-21 locals and international, living in Thessaloniki.

Training methods used & main activities

Non-formal education tools like learn-by-doing exercises, team building activities, debate, Compass activities, reflection groups and also reflections and interactive workshops.

Outcomes of the activity

-Pax clarified notions such as discrimination, tolerance and xenophobia.
-They understood the difference between immigration and refuge.
-they were introduced to non-formal education tools and asked to use them in follow-up activities.
-They exchanged ideas and views.
-They got an insight on making a constructive debate using argumentation.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

Coordinator and trainer.
Responsible for the methoodlogy selection and the implementation of the training.
Coordinated the research carried out before the training.
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I worked on this training for 6 days as a full time trainer.