EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Themis project: strengthening the social standing of immigrant women

Themis project: strengthening the social standing of immigrant women

Introduction

Themis is a project in Leiden aimed at strengthening the social standing of low or uneducated women from immigrant families. The women follow an alternative integration course in which the strengthening of social competencies are key.

Problem

Does the participation of low or uneducated immigrant women in society increase by employing alternative methods?

Description

Through the development of participative methods the women are actively contacted and mobilised. The Dutch language and culture are an integrated part of the Themis method. The method employs different creative work forms, discussions, role-playing, drama and relaxation exercises. The participants' perception of their environment is central, with their needs and opportunities being linked to this. The courses on offer are geared to this and are highly open, flexible and participative in nature, focusing upon the increasing of awareness, acquisition of knowledge and empowerment.

Approach

The so-called Themis tree forms a central analysis and self assessment instrument for the participants. Situations that are familiar to participants are illustrated by specially developed pictures. Each time these pictures represent a theme suited to the needs and development of the participant. These themes are presented with relation to language. In order to maintain and increase language skills, Themis operates the buddy project. Participants are coupled with Dutch volunteers so that they can become familiar with Dutch people and their customs. This activates and maintains language skills. In addition, participants have a tutor who speaks the student's native language.

Results

The clusters of objectives laid down have been achieved.
The participants have drawn up a group's code themselves.
The particpants' independence in society has increased (they join in coffee mornings in the community centre, visit the doctor without a child as interpreter, buy their own public transport tickets).
Participants are better able to cope with conflicts at home.
A small number of participants have found a simple job.
A number of participants are now following other courses.
A link has been formed with Dutch volunteers.

Contact info

International Educational Services
R. van ‘t Rood (Project leader), tel. +31 43 4085671

Project start date

01/01/2002

Links

Themis (in Dutch)

Themis - an alternative integration process. Internal evaluation (PDF, Dutch, 246KB)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Keywords

Skills improvement