Innovation is always a double-edged sword. Nonetheless, in the field of migration, innovation can be the catalyst to the development and improvement of the lives of millions of people. Organizations all around the world have tried to tackle the challenges which emanate from the migration of population with the use of safe and secure strategies. Recently, among the notable innovations, the preeminence of climate-friendly initiatives, technological advancement, and artistic expression have been major breakthroughs in the field.
Climate and Innovation
Nowadays, climate and innovation are often closely associated. To better the lives of migrants, one interesting climate-friendly project is the idea of the Hug It Forward, “Bottle Project” that could be extended to areas of the world where immigrants lack infrastructures. The project in and of itself relies on the creation of schools made with used plastic bottles stuffed with inorganic trash. The aim is to build classrooms and make future students participate in the construction of their schools. At its core, it is an extensive project, the participation of students and their own labor favors a love for education and creates a sense of respect and value towards their hard work.
Technology and Innovation
Technology is the future and migrants need to have the opportunity to stay up to date. In terms of technological advancement, one possibility that is more and more often used in European countries is to give access to language developing skills apps to migrants to make learning more accessible to children, youths, and even mature adults. The main idea is to develop literacy through the use of digital sources and make sure to give access to technological resources to avoid a technological gap. Another social innovation related to technological improvement is to highlight immigrants' skills with the creation of specialized platforms so they could more easily find their place in the work sphere. For instance, the French project Action Emploi Refugies has created an online platform so employers can have an overview of the candidates’ skills and experiences, and immigrants can find the best job rapidly and accurately according to their abilities.
Creativity and Innovation
In the case of immigrants and particularly children, the importance of expression seems to be undeniable. Innovations in the sector have relied on the use of arts in communities and camps to bring some positivity to the lives of people. For instance, the project Paint Outside The Lines in Iraq has been impactful as it has allowed children, mainly Syrian refugees and internally displaced Iraqis, to express themselves and have a voice through art. By participating in workshops such as mural paintings of their camps, children were encouraged to develop their skills, play, and have fun, and later on, some of the artworks were presented at various exhibitions in Belgium. Those types of initiatives inspire children to use their imagination and creativity to sometimes just for a few moments, forget about their often tormented lives. The Social Innovation Lab by UNICEF in the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan is another great example of innovation. The goal of the Lab is to develop the creative skills of the children in the camp by finding solutions to issues, crafting, and using technological resources. The Digital Features of the Lab is part of what makes the project so relevant nowadays; the idea is not only to educate and give children resources, but also to challenge them by developing their self-confidence and sense of self.
In that sense, innovation in the field of immigration can bring rays of hope, whether with sustainable initiatives, technologically centered projects, or expression-oriented ideas.The lives of migrants can be improved and innovation can truly become a source of hope.
Additional sources
https://www.unicef.org/innovation/topics/refugee-and-migrant-children
https://www.bcg.com/en-ca/publications/2021/how-global-migration-drives-innovation
https://www.migrationpolicy.org/multimedia/social-innovation-refugee-inclusion-sense-home
https://www.unicef.org/innovation/stories/digital-futures-in-za%27atari-refugee-camp
https://www.unicef.org/innovation/U-Report/migrant-refugee-ureport-on-the-move-sicily
https://www.unicef.org/innovation/stories/MIT-enterprise-forum-innovate-for-refugees
https://www.unicef.org/innovation/stories/empowering-new-generation-innovators-jordan
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