European Best Practice Gallery
SOMRA
Supporting meaningful Occupations for Migrants, Refugees, and Asylum seekers using the Green Entrepreneurship Model
FUNDING PROGRAMME
Erasmus+
PROJECT NUMBER
KA220-ADU-FD29BBE4
DURATION
01/11/2020 - 31/10/2022
COORDINATING ORGANISATION
ELREC
PARTNER COUNTRIES
Coordinator:Â UK
Partners: Austria, Cyprus, Finland, Italy, Ireland, Portugal
WEBSITE
www.somra.eu
PROJECT DESCRIPTION & BACKGROUND
The project addressed two significant global challenges of the 21st century: climate change and the integration of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. SOMRA introduced an innovative approach that combines environmental sustainability with social inclusion by engaging participants in meaningful occupations related to green entrepreneurship and environmental action. The project aimed to empower migrants and refugees to become environmental role models and active contributors to sustainable development within their local communities and beyond.
TARGET GROUPS
The primary target groups of the SOMRA project are:
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Asylum seekers
Secondary target groups include:
- Adult educators and trainers
- Migrant support workers
- Environmental and community-based NGOs
- Policymakers and stakeholders involved in migration, integration, and environmental initiatives
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The SOMRA project pursued three main objectives:
Facilitate environmental change at local and regional levels through grassroots environmental activities organised by NGOs and project participants.
Promote civic engagement and common values by encouraging migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers to actively participate in their new communities.
Increase employability and key competences through accessible learning opportunities focused on environmental awareness, green entrepreneurship, civic participation, and digital skills.
By achieving these objectives, SOMRA sought to transform participants into agents of positive environmental and social change while supporting their integration and personal development.
PROJECT RESULTS
The project produced several key outputs:
SOMRA Holistic Study Report
A comprehensive research report examining labour market access, legal frameworks, support structures, and opportunities for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in partner countries. The report also provides guidance on establishing NGOs and accessing funding for environmental initiatives.
Green Entrepreneurship Model (GEM)
A practical and highly visual handbook offering strategies, examples, and step-by-step guidance for becoming a green entrepreneur, participating in environmental NGOs, or founding a new organisation. The GEM also includes a Key Facts Booklet and an Online Media Library featuring lifehack videos, testimonials, and a documentary.
SOMRA Green Entrepreneurship Training
A blended-learning programme designed to develop environmental, civic, entrepreneurial, digital, and employability competences. The training consists of:
- Trainer guidelines
- A curriculum with ECVET learning outcomes
- Two main modules on environmental challenges and NGO participation
- An additional digital literacy module
- 20 micro-learning units combining online and face-to-face learning
GEM Magazine
A collection of articles, videos, and practical resources that support learners and aspiring green entrepreneurs on their journey towards environmental action and community engagement.
Together, these resources provide migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to participate in environmental initiatives, create meaningful occupations, and contribute to sustainable and inclusive communities.