Training course on communicating skills and strategies in the process of recruiting foster families | French experience

Our French partner, Afeji, organised two validation workshops connected to the training course on communication skills and strategies in the process of recruiting foster families. 

The first event took place on the 6th of February 2024 in one of Afeji’s establishment welcoming young migrants. It is a Housing and Integration Scheme for Unaccompanied Minors (DHIMNA) in the city of Cassel in the North of France. This establishment offers a range of services, coordinated in such a way as to promote educational and/or professional integration, the creation of social links and the independence of the 44 unaccompanied minors accommodated.

A total of 11 experts participated, among them 10 social workers and 1 psychologist helping unaccompanied minors. So, we nearly doubled the target of 6 participants!
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The validation workshop went smoothly, social workers & psychologist were very attentive and asked several questions on the project. Participants liked the way the training was structured with good theoretical context and playful activities. Rudy Haddad, an educator at DHIMNA, who participated at the training in Athens, presented the three modules and the related activities. 

The second training was delivered by Rudy Haddad on the 9th of July 2024 to 9 participants. The majority of them are specialized educators of DHIMNA in Vanhove, which is an establishment welcoming young migrants having issues with the justice (drug traffic etc.). There was also a psychologist among the participants, helping young migrants and the professionals.
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Rudy started with the presentation of the project and the theoretical part of the training. Then, he presented modules 1, 2 and 3. Finally, a time was dedicated for the participants to give their feedback.

thoughts from the participants

“It was perfect, no need for improvement!"
"Personally, it taught me a lot."

Participants found that the trainer gave a qualitative intervention and that the training programme is complete to answer the questions put forward when it comes to accompanying unaccompanied minors.
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The European approach and the focus on host families’ needs/interests was much appreciated.

Overall the attractivity of the training is confirmed, it was a great time to exchange ideas among the DHIMNA team.