Shared Spaces - Comparative Report: How to Co-create Community Spaces in Germany, Sweden, Spain and Poland?

Aims of the tool

Third sector organizations play a critical role in fostering youth development, promoting community action, and driving social change. However, promoting youth participation and commitment to local activities and events is a significant challenge for these organizations, particularly when it involves young migrants. Recognizing these challenges, it becomes evident that targeted initiatives are necessary to address their specific needs.

The ‘Shared Spaces’ project aims to address these pressing issues that contribute to the social isolation of many young migrants in marginalized and remote districts. Areas like these often lack diversity and inclusive community spaces, and have limited resources and ineffective communication channels, which pose significant barriers to community involvement and social integration.

Description of the tool

This approach recognizes young migrants not merely as beneficiaries but as key stakeholders with agency, insights, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the social fabric of their new environments. This initiative is not just about creating spaces for migrants; it’s about reimagining community spaces as inclusive places for social interaction
and mutual learning.

The project’s timeline includes a research phase culminating in national indexes (previously published), a training course in Sweden, the development of new tools to implement in shared spaces, the piloting of these and other tolls in the local contexts, the publication of a comparative report with all the findings and insights developed during the project, and its dissemination through a multiplier event.

This report summarizes findings from Germany, Poland, Spain, and Sweden, comprehensively analyzing the challenges and opportunities affecting young migrants’ integration into their communities. Across these countries, the need to create safe spaces where young people can feel comfortable, accepted, and connected is repeatedly
emphasized.

The overall recommendations focus on the adaptability, responsiveness, and community-led nature of shared spaces. Such spaces should not only provide a variety of activities reflecting the diverse interests and backgrounds of community members but also serve as platforms for empowerment. This includes fostering leadership, learning, and growth opportunities.

Special attention is necessary for programs that help newcomers build social connections, aiding their integration into the community and empowering them by providing the resources needed to lead and organize activities. This approach may significantly improve their sense of belonging.

By keeping in mind these insights, non-governamental and youth organizations can create vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic community spaces which empower young migrants to transition from mere participants to creators and leaders within their communities, as well as locals to embrace newcomers and co-create these shared spaces.