Participation Through Design : Collaborative Methods Supporting the Social Inclusion of Young Refugees

Jekli, Ágnes (2024) Participation Through Design : Collaborative Methods Supporting the Social Inclusion of Young Refugees. In: P/References of Design. Cumulus conference proceedings series, 1 . Cumulus Association, Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest, Budapest, pp. 2385-2393. ISBN 978-952-7549-02-5

Text af1b7495-ca6e-47d3-88fe-3616efc38913 - Published Version Download (9MB)

Abstract

This paper explores the potential of intercultural collaboration through design in the context of the social inclusion of refugee youth. The practice-based aspect of this research is undertaken with Open Doors Hungary, a community-based design project that creates a programme for unaccompanied minor refugees. The aim of Open Doors is to help refugee youth integrate into Hungarian society and develop their means of communication and quality relations with the host society. Refugee youth arriving in Hungary face serious problems: the loss of home and community, the traumas suffered during the journey, the cultural differences, and the lack of a common language make their social integration extremely challenging. Xenophobia and stereotypes against foreigners exacerbate these challenges. Social inclusion requires frequent contact with the local society, and refugee youth need new tools (cultural knowledge, language skills, intercultural skills) to overcome their disadvantages. Since 2013, the author has been working with refugee and migrant youth using participatory design tools such as regular creative sessions, workshops, and eight camps based on the integrating role of creativity and art. During these sessions, young refugees and their Hungarian and European peers got to know different visual communication tools and created common messages in the form of videos, animations, photos, posters, booklets, and murals. Through these activities, refugee youth become part of the design process; the result is based on their choices. Combining the findings of the theoretical research and field experiences, this paper states that design thinking and participatory design methods allow interactive cultural exchange, sharing of values, safe and open discussions, and community building. As a global language, visual communication can be a tool for intercultural communication, storytelling, and self-expression. The opportunity for refugee youth and their Hungarian peers to work in intercultural teams develops new competencies and creates shared ownership and community.

Actions (login required)

Edit Item