Grapes of Wrath Project

The Grapes of Wrath (GoW) is a capacity building project for youth workers that aims to explore and deconstruct patterns of psychological and social tension between in-groups and out-groups with reference to migrant communities in the EU. Specifically, the project will promote intergroup contact by conveying the agony of outsiders and inspiring empathy, using arts as a tool for communication.

The story of the Joad family from “The Grapes of Wrath”, 1939, the classic inter-war novel of John Steinbeck, and the revolutionary songs of Woody Guthrie about peace, equity and freedom will be the starting point for developing a state of the art module of non-formal education.

 

Needs Analysis

GoW results from empirical evidence and collective reflection pointing to misinformation as a main impediment for effective tackling the rising inflow of African migrants in the EU. Misinformation refers to perceptions of citizens in host societies about migrants’ needs and to expectations of citizens in origin communities about the actual prospects in destination countries. It leads to stereotypical images that obstruct meaningful contact and, thereof, integration of migrant population in host communities. In turn, this results in low quality of life of migrants through social discrimination, unemployment or precarious labour and unequal access to state resources (education, healthcare, etc.).

The reconceptualization of migrants’ role is equally crucial for addressing EU’s own multiple crises –political (rise of extremism), economic (inequality across and within MS) and social (demographic deficit).

 

Aims & Objectives

GRAPES OF WRATH aims to enable contact between migrants and hosting communities in the EU and to foster informed decisions of potential migrants in African countries regarding the trip and life in Europe. In specific, it will:

  1. Raise awareness of communities in partner countries about migrants’ stories and perceptions;
  2. Foster deeper understanding about the process, reasons and psychological impact of migration;
  3. Encourage socioeconomic development of both origin and destination countries.
  4. Tackle needs of origin communities, thus, contributing to containing irregular migration;

 

Partner Organizations

  • Inter Alia, Greece – Applicant and coordinator
  • PRISM Promozione Internazionale Sicilia Mondo, Italy – Partner

Sedarvp Ghana Partners

  • Resource Hub for Development, Kenya – Partner
  • Arcadia Center, Greece – Scientific Partner
  • Federation Dimbaya Kagnalen, Senegal – Partner

 

Activities & Methods

All project activities will be based on non-formal education and informal learning. The project foresees 7 mobility activities (2 training courses and 5 study visits including field research) involving 72 participants, the production of a documentary film, 15 local events and one final international event. The main learning methods are experiential learning, learning by doing, peer learning, task based learning, learning through arts, observation and job shadowing.

Deliverables

  • module of non-formal learning;
  • documentary film about African migrants’ journey & life in the EU;
  • comparative analysis of migrants’ stories;
  • report and policy recommendations.