This document discusses integration strategies for migrants in Portugal. It defines integration as having four dimensions: structural integration providing access to rights and institutions; acculturation as a mutual process of interaction; social integration through personal relationships and networks; and identificational integration through feelings of belonging. Some key strategies discussed are providing adapted curriculums and language support in schools, promoting multicultural projects, and offering Portuguese language courses for migrant communities. Challenges to integration are also noted, such as difficulties building social bridges and high dropout rates from activities.

1. MINT – MIND THE GAP:
Migration NEEDS Integration
Escola Secundária C/ 3º CEB de Oliveira do Bairro
MINT Team 2008/2010
Integration Strategies for Migrants

2. To Belong or not to Belong
Working towards the integration of immigrants’ in
Portugal.
“Integration of immigrants can be understood as
processes of placement, acculturation, interaction
and identification.”
Heckman 2005
MINT Team: Module 2: Laws and Rules

3. To Belong or not to Belong
Dimensions of integration:
Structural integration (access to rights (& duties) and
institutional membership);
Acculturation (interactive, mutual process);
Social integration (primary relations and networks);
Identificational integration (feelings of belonging
and identification).
MINT Team: Module 2: Laws and Rules

4. Idea of "Integration"
What was made to integrate the migrants?
Inclusion in Portugal’s political structures:
access to rights
Identification (young people’s towards Portuguese society):
Stimulate feelings of identification.
Empowerment:
promote self-esteem to find a place where young people’s competences
are recognized and appreciated;
Acceptance by local community - promote empathy/appreciation in the
local community;
Compliance with local codes of conduct - social and interpersonal skills
competencies;
Promote a sense of belonging and wider, empowered, participation in
local and national structures.
MINT Team: Module 2: Laws and Rules

5. Integration Strategies at school.
First step: what should a teacher do?
Diagnostic Test to identify the main problems of the student.
According to the results of the diagnostic test, what can
be done?
The student has the right to have an adapted curriculum
(Portuguese, Sciences, Geography, etc)
The student has the right to have simplified worksheets in the
above subjects carried out in tutoring class and at the same
time...
…the student has the right to have individual tutoring in
Portuguese language learning.
MINT Team: Module 2: Laws and Rules

6. Integration Strategies at school.
The student has also the right to have a PTA (Parent
Teacher Association) meeting. They will explain how the
Portuguese school system works.
Projects that can/should be promoted:
Multicultural and/or
anti-racial
Night courses for working students:
Interaction with CAII - Immigrant support centres.
MINT Team: Module 2: Laws and Rules

7. Integration Strategies
Portuguese language courses are offered for the
foreign communities.
MINT Team: Module 2: Laws and Rules

8. Integration Strategies: Difficulties
Challenges
Relationship building within social groups: more
difficult to build bridges across social classes;
Group instability –high drop out rates;
Lack of long term commitment to the activities.
MINT Team: Module 2: Laws and Rules

9. MINT – Mind the Gap
Migration NEEDS Integration
MINT Team 2008 / 2010
MINT Team: Module 2: Laws and Rules