Facilitating the integration of immigrants with the help of a DVD and to combat intolerance among youth with an interactive CD-ROM: two methods of creating a more tolerant society in Russia

Based on the results of a research study led by SAD on the situation of young people in Russia today, this project aims to improve the social and economic integration of young migrant workers in the region of Moscow. By developing an informative and pedagogical DVD for migrants, SAD aims to facilitate their access to crucial sources of information to improving their life situation. SAD, together with its local partners, is also adapting ‘Xenophilia’ for use in Russian schools. ‘Xenophilia’ is an interactive and pedagogical game designed to help combat racial and ethnic stereotyping among youth.

From 2005-2007, SAD conducted a research project on the situation of young people in Russia, their future perspectives, their value systems, their rapport with the political system as well as their relationship towards work. The results uncovered some startling facts, especially concerning the rise in intolerance towards certain ethnic groups and encouraged SAD to carry out an operational project, based on the data collected.
The Russian Federation is the second largest recipient of immigrants in the world. More than 13 million people born abroad currently live in Russia, in addition to 3-5 million others who are undocumented. More than 75% of these people are originally from countries part of the former-USSR and are found particularly in Moscow, St Petersburg and Krasnodar. Thanks to their knowledge of Russian, they have good potential to integrate. However, despite the low birth rate that affects Russia today and the economic and demographic potential of these immigrants is not recognised. Their situation is particularly precarious on legal, economic and social levels and can be partly explained by a lack of access to information. In addition, migrants have a negative image among the general public.

SAD aims to act on (a) the level of migrants themselves, by providing them with an informative DVD and (b) the level of intolerance among young people through an interactive game. The game ‘Xenophilia’ was developed for Switzerland in 2003-2005 and was a true success in schools across the country.

• To improve the integration of migrant workers (arriving) in Moscow through the use of a DVD that provides practical guidelines, warnings and other information (especially legal) on life in Moscow.
  
• To carry out a scientific evaluation of the DVD as an information provider for migrants
• To promote a more respectful and tolerant society towards migrants by introducing a game to combat prejudice, discrimination and racism in schools
• To contribute to a better understanding of others and to raise awareness of cultural differences and misunderstandings.

Implementation and Activities

In collaboration with the Russian organisation RU PASS, SAD is launching a DVD that facilitates the integration of migrants. By depicting scenes from every-day life, the material covers themes such as registering with authorities, searching for a job, accessing healthcare and remitting money. 10,000 copies of the DVD will be produced and distributed among the target group, migrant organisations in Moscow and in three main migrant home countries.

At the same time, SAD is adapting a pedagogical game that was developed in Switzerland in 2003-2005. This will be done in collaboration with the Russian organisation – Humanist Research and Methodology Centre. The game entitled ‘Xenophilia’ aims to raise awareness among young people on migration, racism and ethnic stereotyping. The project will be tested, implemented and evaluated in selected schools in the regions of Moscow, Kaluga and Ryazan.

Target group(s)

Young labour migrants from former Soviet Republics Schoolchildren aged 13 to 17 and teachers

Partners

RU PASS

Humanist Research and Methodology Centre, Moscow

Niklaus Eggenberger
Project manager
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