Gaining New Knowledge on Active Citizenship, Migrant Inclusion and Sustainable Development through Erasmus+

As part of its accredited Erasmus+ mobility activities, Zavod Burja from Rimske Toplice hosted Ivanka Sučić from the Berlin-based organisation südost Europa Kultur e.V. in September 2026. She has many years of experience in intercultural cooperation, migrant inclusion, the empowerment of vulnerable groups and the development of community-based programmes. The three-day training was organised for the staff and collaborators of Zavod Burja, with the aim of transferring knowledge, methods and good practices in the fields of active citizenship, cultural integration, intercultural dialogue and sustainable approaches to non-formal adult education.

The organisation südost Europa Kultur e.V. has been active for many years in Berlin’s multicultural environment, developing programmes focused on migrant inclusion, family support and cooperation between different communities. Particular attention is given to people with migrant backgrounds, women and other groups facing social, linguistic and cultural barriers. Cooperation with Zavod Burja builds on previous exchanges of experience within the Erasmus+ programme, while this visit provided an opportunity for further transfer of professional knowledge between the two organisations.

The training focused on approaches to promoting active citizenship, social participation and adult empowerment, particularly among migrants, members of minority communities and other people with fewer opportunities. We explored ways to encourage individuals to participate more actively in their local communities, express their needs and interests, and contribute to the development of joint initiatives. Particular attention was given to building trust, identifying barriers to participation and creating conditions in which individuals can take a more active role in society.

Drawing on the experience of the Berlin-based organisation, Ivanka Sučić presented participatory methods of community work that involve individuals in the planning, implementation and evaluation of activities. By comparing approaches from Germany and Slovenia, we explored which methods could be transferred to the work of Zavod Burja. We also discussed the importance of cooperation between non-governmental organisations, local communities, educational institutions and other stakeholders in supporting the inclusion of migrants and vulnerable groups.

An important part of the training was dedicated to cultural integration, intercultural dialogue and inclusive adult education. We approached integration as a process of mutual adaptation and cooperation based on respect for each individual’s cultural, linguistic and ethnic identity. In this context, we examined the role of culture, art and cultural heritage in connecting different communities, reducing prejudice and fostering a sense of belonging.

Particular attention was given to methods involving personal storytelling, creative expression, intercultural encounters and community events. These methods enable adults with different life experiences to participate, encourage the exchange of perspectives and contribute to the development of social and communication competences. We also explored culturally sensitive communication, the recognition of stereotypes, the reduction of linguistic and social barriers, and the creation of learning environments that support the participation of diverse groups of adults.

The training methodology was based on participatory and experiential learning, combining expert presentations, analysis of good practices, facilitated discussions, group work and practical exercises. The starting point was to connect the guest expert’s experience with the needs and challenges encountered by the staff and collaborators of Zavod Burja in their work. The emphasis was on the practical application of the methods presented, their adaptation to different target groups and their potential integration into existing and future educational programmes.

Part of the programme was dedicated to connecting social inclusion with environmental sustainability. We explored approaches that integrate green topics into community work and adult education, including community gardening, the reuse of materials, waste reduction, sustainable event planning and other forms of practical learning. We were particularly interested in how such activities can encourage cooperation between different generations and cultural communities while developing environmental responsibility.

Joint creative and environmental activities can provide opportunities for people with different experiences to meet and cooperate, even when linguistic or social differences make participation more difficult. Such approaches support learning through cooperation, knowledge exchange and the development of new social connections. For Zavod Burja, they are particularly relevant when planning programmes for migrants, members of minority communities, older adults and other participants with fewer opportunities.

Through collaborative planning, discussions and reflection, we identified methods that could be adapted to our target groups and incorporated into future activities. We developed initial concepts for educational and community-based programmes combining active citizenship, intercultural dialogue, creativity and sustainable development.

The training contributed to strengthening the civic, intercultural, social, pedagogical and green competences of Zavod Burja staff and collaborators. We gained knowledge of participatory working methods, individual empowerment, culturally sensitive approaches to adult education and the integration of sustainability topics into local and international activities. Another important outcome was a better understanding of opportunities for cooperation between different organisations and institutions in developing adult education programmes.

Ivanka Sučić’s visit strengthened the partnership between Zavod Burja and südost Europa Kultur e.V. and provided a basis for further knowledge exchange, the development of joint initiatives and cooperation in European projects. We will use the experience gained to plan new educational activities and improve existing programmes, particularly in the fields of inclusion of adults with fewer opportunities, active citizenship and intercultural learning.

International exchanges of professional knowledge within the Erasmus+ programme are an important part of Zavod Burja’s development. They enable us to explore different approaches to adult education, adapt them to the local context and strengthen the competences of educators and collaborators. This creates opportunities for the continued development of programmes that respond to the needs of our participants and encourage their more active involvement in the community.