Manual - STEP UP

The Manual offers educators and professionals working with migrant woman, knowledge on selected topics such as:

1ST CHAPTER: CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS FOR MIGRANT WOMEN IN THE LABOUR MARKET:

This chapter aims to help educators understand the challenges migrant women face in the labor market due to cultural, educational, and psychological factors. It also suggests initiatives to overcome these barriers and support educators in their work under the STEP UP project.

2ND CHAPTER: MOTIVATION, INSPIRATION AND RESILIENCE:

This chapter's objective is to underscore the significance of motivating migrant women, fostering their resilience in the face of challenges, and persuading them of their potential to contribute meaningfully to society. By doing so, we can assist them in establishing a strong foundation for their lives in the host country.

3RD CHAPTER: EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS IN THE 21ST CENTURY

This chapter aims at creating awareness and enhancing knowledge on today’s employability skills and helping educators to get familiar with the EU level frameworks regarding the entrepreneurial, social, green, and digital skills.

4TH CHAPTER: SKILL ASSESSMENT AND RECOGNITION

The goal of this chapter is to explore various approaches for evaluating skills, introduce existing tools and exemplary practices to enhance educators' awareness and proficiency, and provide recommendations and guidance on when and how to apply these methods.

5TH CHAPTER: NON-FORMAL EDUCATION TO FOSTER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The primary objectives of this chapter are to introduce non-formal education as a potent means for learning and enhancing employability. It seeks to illuminate the various dimensions of non-formal education in professional growth and underscore the significance of soft skills as vital components for entering the job market. Furthermore, this chapter aims to convey the relevance of non-formal education as a potent tool in today's society, providing a comprehensive understanding of its role in empowering individuals for success in various aspects of life.

6TH CHAPTER: THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL ENGAGEMENT FOR PROGRAMS’SUCCESS

Underscores the challenges faced by migrant women in integration and stresses the roles of willingness from migrants and the host society, along with structural support. It highlights specific hurdles like lower qualifications and family obligations. Integration involves various levels, with local networks playing a crucial role, especially for challenges unique to migrant women. Five key areas where local networks contribute are confidence-building, childcare, education, role models, and empowerment. The text emphasizes the importance of a personal approach, particularly through civil society organizations and their volunteers.

7TH CHAPTEER COMPETENCES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATORS

In an increasingly mobile world, migrants, especially women, face numerous challenges and risks such as family separation, trauma, safety concerns, health issues, and gender-based violence. They often take on caregiving roles within their families, intensifying their need for protection and support. The UN Declaration of Human Rights emphasizes the right to education that promotes understanding, tolerance, and respect for human rights, making educators pivotal in aiding migrant women. This chapter focuses on defining the competencies required by educators working with migrant women, explores mentoring programs, clarifies the roles of mentors and mentees, and provides practical recommendations for educators working with this demographic.

Based on the expertise of the partners, educators have to be competent in at least 4 thematic subcategories: communicating subject knowledge; considering adult learners’ prior learning; supporting a learning environment; and reflect on his or her own performance.

Manual designed for use by educators. The manual aims to provide knowledge for implementing the STEP UP program and enhancing the skills of immigrant women. It also focuses on the professional development of adult educators, helping them address the specific learning needs of this group and prepare them for success in the modern job market. The manual emphasizes the need for a flexible and multifaceted approach to motivate and empower adult migrant women, as well as the challenges of skill development and qualification recognition. Additionally, it highlights the significance of non-formal education and local organizations in these efforts and outlines the necessary competencies for educators and facilitators working with migrants.