The International Organization for Migration (IOM), as the coordinator of the European Migration Network (EMN) in Slovakia, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, took part in the activities of the UN Week and organised Destination Europe workshop in three grammar schools. In total, 67 students from Gymnázium Andreja Kmeťa in Banská Štiavnica, Gymnázium Dominika Tatarku in Poprad, and Gymnázium Juraja Hronca in Bratislava participated in these interactive sessions, gaining insights into how decision-making about migration policy works.
The workshop started with an overview of the topic of migration which allowed these second-year high school students to get an improved understanding of the subject. Then, throughout the workshop, students engaged in the Destination Europe role-playing activity, where they took on roles as ministers, European Commissioners, and non-governmental organization representatives. By exploring the perspectives of various stakeholders and making decisions on issues related to migration and integration students were able to see how each choice impacts the lives of different migrants and observe the balance between national and EU-level interests.
Through this dynamic experience, these young people have a chance to develop a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in migration policies. Additionally, the workshops allowed students to enhance essential skills such as communication, negotiation, and leadership, as well as critical thinking and collaboration.
Based on the feedback, students found the role-play activity very engaging, some of them stated that making decision was indeed hard in the light of the arguments from others. At the start of the activity, many students expressed their interest in studying, working, or living abroad for some time. This experience gave them a chance to realize that migration decisions impact not only others but could also shape their own futures.
EMN Slovakia organizes Destination Europe workshops which usually takes 1.5 hour. This workshop can be accompanied by a lecture on migration. The workshops are free of charge. We will be glad to provide you with more information. Please contact us by e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
