Bulgarian Group about "Welcome Friends"
Interview of Vladimir Ivanov from Bulgaria after the Training Course "Welcome Friends" in Torremolinos.
Can you give us your opinion about the project "Welcome friends"?
The project turned out to be very interesting and informative for me. I have learned a lot about the migrant crisis and the challenges that migrants face in their new place of residence. I would like to mention that I made a lot of new friends during the project, which made the project more wonderful and memorable. In addition, the planned activities were very interesting and tailored to the audience. For example, during the training we had various simulation games, workshops and sports activities that contributed greatly to the group building. Additionally, we had the opportunity to get to know the city and get a better view of it.
What can the Eureopean Union do to better protect refugees? or What can Europe do to welcome refugees?
In my opinion, there are several important points around this issue - the states that receive migrant flows in the first place should have sufficient support from all EU states, which means sufficient material and intangible assistance. In addition, the EU must take care to break down existing stereotypes about migrants through misinformation. It is important to note that the EU needs to make great efforts in terms of migrant integration policy. Integration policy is essential in building a successful society because it is the foundation of the state. The EU must be able to enable all of them to develop and contribute to building a common European future. This policy should be implemented at both national and international levels. The EU has ample opportunity to successfully implement this policy at both levels.
What will you do at the local level to promote the integration of refugees and migrants in your country? Do you have some suggestions for activities to raise awareness on the topic or measures to take? In my opinion, it would be good if migrants at the local level would be given more opportunities to learn the language, as knowledge of the language largely breaks the barrier. The community in my place of residence is very diverse and multi-ethnic. I think a diverse society is always more comfortable for any person to live in. For my part, I will try to take part in the disinformation campaign that exists around the migrant crisis. I strongly believe that misinformation promoted by the enemies of democracy, both internally and externally, including at the expense of the Russian hybrid war, must be held accountable by a democratic society in a just and appropriate manner. In addition, I would like to share my knowledge with my colleagues and friends, and use this experience to better plan and implement future activities.
