Context/Background of the project The background to this project lies in the most recent wave of immigration to the European Union and the movement of citizens within the EU-27. Recent unrest in the Middle East and North Africa has seen thousands of refugees make the attempt to gain access to the European Union in order to seek a better life for themselves. This has lead to many deaths as in desperation those who are in most need will attempt the most riskiest of passages in order to escape persecution, war and famine. Combined with this wave of immigration has been the movement of workers within the European Union, most notably from new accession states in search of jobs and economic advantage. In many host countries this has lead to tensions with some questioning the rationale behind EU immigration policy. As immigration rates to the EU rise with current world events within founding member states of the European Union there has been a rise in 'Race Hate' crime combined with attacks on what are seen as one of the core principles of the European Union, that is the Freedom of speech and expression i.e. Charlie Hebdo attacks. Commentators have said that the European Union has become too big and should effectively close it's door's to immigrants, while within the European Union, in some member states, there has been a growing sense of nationalism and drive for self determination. Within this social and political context there lies a need for open and honest discussion about the impact of immigration on host and home countries, a need to examine how immigrants have integrated. Each of the project partners mentioned within come from a different socio-economic and political background and it is with these project partners that we aim to openly discuss through the medium of film the true impact of immigration within the EU. Objectives of the Project Key objectives include the promotion of Tolerance, Respect, Diversity, Perception and Inclusion. Enhancement of the ideals of the European Union and Scared Heart Education. Development of transnational skills for Employability Number and Profile of Participants 4 Project Partners from across the EU have been identified 3 of the Partners have experience of working on European Projects Strong Leadership teams and core teams have been established Excellent ICT support is available to the lead school and partner school The Project will be carried out with 30 16/17 year old pupils' in each partner school. Description of Activities Transnational meetings (target setting, sharing good practice, planning and review) Digital Storytelling Workshop Guest speakers from Political groups, N.G.O's, local and national Charities Culture Days Interviews with minority groups Armagh Film Festival Debates/Question and Answer sessions about immigration Poster and Postcard campaigns Creation of Blog re: Immigration Exhange and Collaboration on using Social Media Methodology used SMARTER targets, RACI matrix, SWOT analysis Mix of qualitative and quantitative assessment Core Teams in each school Timetable of activities Regular monitoring, dissemination and communication Relationship building combining ICT methodologies (skype/ Blog/ Podcast) and visits Description of Results/Impact and Benefits Develop transversal skills in participants - particularly in the area of Digital Literacy Higher inter cultural awareness Higher interest, tolerance and respect for other countries, cultures and people. Have a greater knowledge of the reasons for immigration, the causes and consequences Have an understanding of EU formation, objectives and expansion Have a better knowledge about living/ school life in other countries Establish personal contacts with pupils from cross sector and partner schools through ICT and mobilities Build on the desire to travel and explore new places Develop social skills and the ability to work in teams Raise awareness within the local community about local minority groups with whom interviews and films are being made. Local minority community involved in Culture Days Nationally minority groups will be involved in postcard and poster campaigns Project discussed and modeled as 'best practice' with other schools at local level Project discussed with other schools internationally (that are part of the Sacred Heart Network) and modeled as 'best practice' at the European and International Heads and Deputes meetings. News coverage at a National level will have a wide impact in forming peoples opinions and views. Lobby and advocate for a change in Laws Lobby in order to change views and perceptions Creation of films which provoke, inspire, enthuse and cause people to examine their perception of immigration and immigrants