ECMed: European Cultural Mediator

KEY ACTION 2 (KA2) PROJECT

PARTNERS: ITALY, SPAIN, PORTUGAL, UK, CYPRUS 

PROJECT’S BRIEF SUMMARY & AIMS

OBJECTIVES

a. Exploration and comparison of the figure of linguistic-cultural mediator at the European level
b. Verification of mechanisms for the validation of previous non-formal and informal competences and integration with formal awards.
c. Creating a European training course for the linguistic / cultural mediator
d. Implementation of capacity   self-entrepreneurial
e. Creating open source tools and open source products, in order to: inform the target group; allow the interconnection of several mediators, provide tools for training, facilitate mobility in Europe of cultural mediators.

PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED

Actually   the debate and the comparative analysis on the role of cultural mediator in Europe is at earlier state. 

The reflection on education is quite varied. There are at least two training options mostly practiced in the different national contexts: vocational training and academic training. Both options are common , for example, in Spain and Italy. In some circumstances (Italy, France and Spain) the training is ruled at the central/ territorial level and in other cases (France, UK, Spain) there are forms of accreditation and validation of previous work experience and training.

The policies of cultural mediation come to life in the light of the economic resources available at national level. Also on this aspect of the situations are varied, to patchy.

A first important distinction can be made in relation with the context in which choices of providing for specific appropriations come to decisions. In most cases (France, Italy, Spain and Germany) the economic resources to support the creation and development of cultural mediation are allocated within a general framework of social policies specifically directed to migrants or ethnic minorities. In other situations, less frequent (United Kingdom) appropriations are planned as part of more general policies of social service programs for any type of disadvantage.

In France and Germany, the funds used for cultural mediation refer to the national budget, while in other countries (Italy and Spain) the money aimed at supporting the activities of mediation are mostly from external sources (programs of the European Union or other international initiatives). In four of the six countries surveyed by research (Italy, France, Germany and Greece) appropriations are only public, while in the other two companies (UK and Spain) come into play also private sponsors.

The presence or absence of laws ruling the cultural mediation device and professional role of the mediator was already partly faced in the previous pages about training. In principle Countries in which the standardisation system, at central and/or local level , is very strong are Italy, France and Spain, both for general questions relating to the definition of a professional standard for the figure of the mediator that for the more specific training side. 

In France and Spain, in particular, is well defined with proper rules the  system of validation of competences also (recognition of credits and working systems validation, validation levels, supplementary courses for up-grading). In other countries (UK, Germany and Greece) where the level of regulation is certainly less compelling , the mediator is instead a voluntary figure , often coinciding with the public servant acting within the services and facilities of the central and/or local institution and involved in programs and activities aimed  to integration of segments of the immigrant population.

Differences and similarities in terms of cultural mediation in the six countries considered can be found also in relation to knowledge, the skills and styles of work that the cultural mediator uses in carrying out its activities.

OUTPUTS

The portal

The portal will enable cultural mediator, or aspiring cultural mediator:
– Check the skills required to find work in different countries participating in the project
– Exchange information with colleagues, creating a kind of community of practice
– Acquire tools and information to hone their skills.
– Contact other organisations
– Reveal your professional profile; cultural mediators publish their curriculum on the website, which becomes a kind of data base

With regard to organisations that deal with the training of mediators, the portal is:
– A training tool, with regard to distance education;
– A way of connection between organisations working in the same field in Europe.
The portal is a tool for open source content , and specific functions for registered users.

The training course

Training mode will be either in the presence at a distance.
In particular, there will be two courses:
– A training base;
– Paths of development, which, starting from basic skills, are able to adapt the work trainers to specific contexts (school, business, government offices, hospitals, etc.).

Guidelines teacher training

– Methods and tools for trainers of mediators in Europe.

Path to the emergence and recognition of competences.

– Knowledge of the pathways of recognition and validation of already existing in the various countries.
– Connection with existing European instruments (EQF, etc..).