Work proceeding Becoming More Visible
The Becoming Visible Project 2001-2004
The aims of the Becoming Visible were to create new opportunities for work and study for asylum seekers in Finland.
Co-operational models that can be used in Europe were created between reception centres, adult education, non-governmental organisations and companies.
Asylum seekers were encouraged to study during the process of applying asylum. BV Project provided courses in languages, computer skills and Finnish civics. Also special study groups were arranged for women and young asylum seekers.
Asylum seekers were encouraged to seek work opportunities independently. This also included the field of voluntary work in local communities, congregations and neighbourhood centers.
The project aimed at promoting interaction between local population and asylum seekers. By providing information of asylum seekers, public attitudes were influenced for increasing tolerance and ethnic equality.
Also, the professional know-how of the personnel working at reception centres was supported.
The project was a combination of five local subprojects: reception centres from Tampere, Turku, Perni๖, Punkalaidun and Joutseno. The Finnish Association of Adult Education Centres worked as a development partner in the field of communication.
The administrator was the town of Punkalaidun and the international partners came form Scotland, Denmark and Portugal.