iFS Fostering Social Justice
IFS Fostering Social Justice is a strategic European program running from 2021 to 2024. Led by the IFS network, its core mission is to enhance cooperation between member organisations, share innovative practices in adult non-formal education, and influence international policy on active citizenship, migrant integration, and social inclusion.
Project Objectives
The primary goal of the project is to foster European cooperation and strengthen the IFS network’s capacity. Through mutual learning, peer counselling, and capacity building, we aim to advocate for and provide effective adult learning opportunities for migrants, refugees, and those with fewer opportunities.
Specific Goals:
- Empower Professionals: Train and support educators and professionals within the IFS network to develop educational projects focused on social justice, active citizenship, and migrant integration.
- Enhance Advocacy: Upgrade IFS strategies and processes to strengthen European cooperation and advocacy efforts in adult education.
Participating Countries
This pan-European initiative involves representatives from:
- Austria
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- The Netherlands
- Spain
- Sweden
Programme Activities
Participants from these nations engage in immersive four-day study visits. During these sessions, they discover how volunteers and professionals in host organisations utilise innovative practices to drive active citizenship, integrate migrants, and foster social inclusion.
Learn More
A Major Milestone: “We’re Right Here” at the European Parliament
On January 23, 2024, the final event of the IFS Fostering Social Justice project took place at the European Parliament, hosted by the EFS delegation in collaboration with Vice-President Marc Angel. Themed “We’re Right Here,” the event brought together key voices in the movement for social justice, including EFS Vice President Staffan Lindqvist, IFS President Pentti Lemmetyinen, IFSJ Coordinator Sophie Michelena, and Secretary Annamaria Georgies.
The delegation presented a comprehensive set of policy recommendations in the form of a White Paper, focused on ensuring the sustainability and expanded impact of Neighbourhood Centres throughout Europe. The event also featured the premiere of the “We’re Right Here” campaign video, which captured the spirit of the EFS’s mission and its call for greater support from EU policymakers.
Held in the MEP Salon, the event was attended by five Members of the European Parliament, highlighting the high level of engagement and political support. A special message from Tarja Halonen, former President of Finland and IFS ambassador, delivered in a pre-recorded interview, offered further inspiration and underscored the significance of the initiative.
Watch President Halonen’s Video Message https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vMONg9js_A
Project Presentation
Watch our video presentation to see the project in action. https://youtu.be/bhjyzGtcfXg
We’re Right Here! https://youtu.be/0dwhPzE0-3U
Contact
Project Coordinator:
Sophie Michelena
Project Manager, Fédération nationale des centres sociaux et socioculturels de France
For further enquiries, please get in touch with Sophie at: sophie.michelena@centres-sociaux.fr
Historic reports
