As part of the United Nations Week marking the80th anniversary of the UN, the International Organization for Migration (UN migration agency), 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, brought the Destination Europe activity to Gymnázium Andreja Kmeťa in Banská Štiavnica.
Thirty high school students took part in this interactive workshop, which offered them a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of decision-makers shaping migration policy in the European Union. The session began with an introduction to the topic of migration, followed by a role-playing workshop where students experienced decision making from the roles European Commissioners, ministers, mayors, business representatives, NGO representatives and other stakeholders. Through discussion and debate, they explored how migration policies are created and how decisions can affect the lives of migrants and public.
The activity helped students better understand the complexities of migration and also encouraged them to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others to find balanced solutions.
Based on the students’ feedback, many were surprised to see how their decisions affected different groups of migrants in different ways and how many factors they had to consider when making policy choices. The experience helped them realise that shaping migration policy requires balancing diverse perspectives and interests.
As almost all participants shared that they would like to experience study or work abroad in the future, the activity also offered them a personal insight, showing that migration decisions may one day directly influence their own lives.
About Destination Europe
Destination Europe is an educational and training tool based on role-playing for groups of 4 to 6 participants. Over the course of 90 minutes, participants experience a comprehensive decision-making process on migration policies involving various stakeholders with sometimes conflicting interests.
The tool was developed by the European Migration Network (EMN) and is aimed at youth and adults aged 16 and older.
If you would like more information about this educational tool or are interested in organizing a similar workshop and/or lecture on migration topics, please contact EMN Slovakia at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
