During the months of September and October, the representatives of International Organization for Migration (IOM) as the coordinator of the European Migration Network (EMN) in Slovakia delivered a series of lectures on migration to the students of the Police Academy in Bratislava. As part of the lectures, workshops related to the educational activity Destination Europe took place.
The European Migration Network conducted lectures on the topic of migration for approximately 140 second year students of the Police Academy in Bratislava including students who are already active in the police service.nColleagues from EMN Slovakia have not only introduced key terms and concepts about migration to the students but also provided a deeper insight into the complex phenomenon of migration and its significance in the context of the European Union and Slovakia. At the same time, myths about migration that circulate in public opinion were uncovered and debunked, equipping cadets with facts about migration.nIn this way students delved into the topic of migration and pondered questions such as:nnWhat does migration policy look like in the European Union and Slovakia?nWhat are the current trends in migration in the world and in Slovakia?nWhat are the most common myths and stereotypes associated with migration?nnOver the course of two weeks, IOM representatives within the activities of European Migration Network (EMN) Slovakia facilitated discussions on the topic of migration, fostering fruitful and productive debates. As a follow-up to the lectures, 3 workshops sessions dedicated to the educational activity Destination Europe were conducted. This education tool on migration and integration allows participants to discuss and learn about contemporary topics in today’s Europe. While taking on a role of a minister, EU commissioner, mayor or civil society organization representative, the students had the opportunity to make decisions that influence development of migration and integration policies. The Police Academy highly valued the series of lectures and workshops, with students being actively engaged in discussions during lectures. Furthermore, the Destination Europe workshop allowed students to delved into discussing migration policy choices at European, national, and local levels. They not only had the chance to witness the consequences of their decisions on migrant communities; but also engaged in passionate debates about how the values of security, peace, and democracy resonate throughout migrants' journeys in pursuit of their aspirations. EMN Slovakia organizes workshops on the topic of migration as part of which students can try the educational activity Destination Europe. The workshop is divided into two sessions of 1,5 hours each, but the duration can also be adjusted according to the needs of a school or class. The workshops are free of charge. We will be glad to provide you with more information. Please contact us by e-mail: ncpslovakia@iom.int nMore information on the educational tool Destination Europe and the possibilities of using it for activities with young people can be found at: https://destinationeurope.uni.lu/slovak/ Students of the Police Academy in Bratislava are discussing migration policies as part of the educational activity Destination Europe. Photo © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2023.