Successful Pathways for the Second Generation of Migrants

The situation of second generation migrants is similar throughout Europe: they are at risk to encounter cultural, linguistic and social difficulties, sometimes they have to face prejudices and their self-esteem may suffer. The main idea behind this project is to prevent such situations of prejudice and self-discrimination particularly among young low skilled second-generation immigrants when they are looking for a job.What do we understand by second generation of migrants? The definition is controversial: many experts refer to second generation migrants in case of all individuals who have at least one immigrant parent and who were born in the country in which their parents have migrated to or who arrived in an early stage of their lives in that country (i.e. as teenager in their "primary socialization" phase). Some American sociologists (like Portes, 1996) speak about the generation 2G (born in the country where they live) to distinguish them from the generation 1.75 (who arrived in the childhood, before their 10th anniversary) and generation 1.50 (who arrived as teenagers before their 16th birthday). Any others are considered as primo-migrants. In this project, the partnership will focus mainly on 2G and generation 1.75. The "bridge" between different cultures and a path towards social inclusion will be the main products the partnership will elaborate for teachers and trainers of second generation migrants, as well as materials for second generation migrants who are looking for a job and want to improve their self-esteem and communication skills. Bridge is sponsored by the European Union´s Lifelong Learning Programme. UNISI participation has been financed by the Swiss Secretariat for Research and Education (SER).