Pixel International Conferences

As European societies become more multi-cultural, we need to raise awareness about the push factors forcing people to leave their own countries. Europe needs more cohesive and inclusive societies which allow citizens to play an active role in democratic life. Education is key to prevent violent radicalization by promoting common European values, fostering social integration, enhancing intercultural understanding and a sense of belonging to a community. Education and training will be central to successful integration efforts. The paper presents the results of a field research achieved in Romania in the framework of the Erasmus+ project “ODISSEU: Online gaming and Digital tools to promote the asylum seekers Integration and increase awareneSS amongst schools of the refugees' crisis in Europe” financed by the European Commission. The research aimed at identifying (i) the school needs in terms of new technologies and innovative approaches to discuss global issues; (ii) educational issues related to asylum seekers in connection with civic engagement; (iii) teachers’ competences and training needs to support intercultural education. The research results are to be valorized in the development of the holistic and inclusive ODISSEU online simulation game which envisages to be a real support for teachers in engaging young people in informed discussion about forced migration and asylum, in teaching tolerance, fostering asylum seekers’ and refugees’ civic engagement via role playing. The research was achieved through focus group discussions and involved three different categories of participants: pupils aged 11 to 18, teachers and educational stakeholders.

Keywords: online gaming, migration, asylum seekers, refugees.

References:

[1] Declaration on Promoting citizenship and the common values of freedom, tolerance and non-discrimination through education, Paris, 17 March 2015
[2] Odisseu Project, https://odisseu-project.eu/en/