Networks and cities' news

Portrait Series #1: Cheikhou Cissé’s Journey and His Work at El Pasico

Cheikhou Cissé's journey from Senegal to Spain is a remarkable story of resilience, adaptability, and commitment to helping others. Originally an IT specialist in Dakar, Cheikhou's career took an unexpected turn when he chose to stay in Europe after a brief visit, facing the challenges of life as an undocumented migrant. Overcoming many obstacles, he found his true calling in helping newcomers, and ended up running El Pasico, an organization dedicated to helping newly arrived migrants in Spain. Cheikhou's work is not just a career but a deeply fulfilling mission, marked by his dedication to improving the lives of those facing the struggles he knows only too well. 

WELDI Journal Number 2

This update on developments in the WELDI-network includes learning points from transnational meetings on access to housing and digital inclusion, and an assessment of what WELDI partners learned from the welcoming of Ukrainian refugees.

Digital Inclusion: A Gateway to Integration for Migrants

Today, the technological and digital transition is accelerating, making access to technology and online resources essential. Some people, already facing various forms of discrimination, are digitally excluded, complicating their integration. For newcomers, digital inclusion is crucial for their integration and well-being. Ensuring their access to digital tools and resources eases their transition and encourages active societal participation. The WELDI network is developing strategies to promote this inclusion, exemplified by Cluj-Napoca's detailed plan for an online one-stop shop.  

Addressing Housing Challenges in Albacete, Spain

Albacete is a vibrant cultural center located in the Castilla-La Mancha region, one of the most dynamic agricultural regions in Europe. Due to its strategic location, Albacete attracts a large number of seasonal migrant workers. The city strives to meet the specific needs of migrant workers and their families, some of whom live in informal settlements. Thus, as part of the WELDI project, the municipality hosted the third transnational meeting of the network devoted to the theme of housing.

Transnational meeting on employment of the WELDI project by Fundão, Portugal

WELDI’s second transnational meeting took place online and was organized by the city of Fundão. Fundão has a rich history influenced by various cultures over the centuries. Its development is linked to agriculture, crafts and other local economic activities. This first thematic meeting addressed the subject of employment for newcomers. This is an essential aspect of the project, and one in which Fundão has a great deal of experience.

WELDI Project's First Transnational Meeting in Osijek, Croatia

WELDI’s  first transnational meeting took place on 15 and 16 November 2023 in the picturesque city of Osijek, fourth largest city in Croatia, that is nestled within the Pannonian Basin on the right bank of the Drava River. The gathering served as a platform for partner cities to share experiences and challenges with regard to migrant rights, and discuss the baseline study and roadmap drawn up by our expert: Dirk Gebhardt.

In this article, we will talk about this transnational meeting and what it involved, both in terms of planning WELDI’s work plan and in gaining insight into the work of the host city Osijek.