"The main thing is a friendly atmosphere, a welcoming exchange of opinions, and building contacts between participants," explains expert Slavíková regarding the modern approach to training.

Lecturer and expert Veronika Slavíková has been collaborating on integration and other projects for the Slovo 21 association for over ten years. She is currently in charge of the project Strengthening Intercultural Competencies of OAMP Staff and Other Public Administration, Local Government, and Institutional Workers. It may sound complicated, but anyone who attends her training will find that in today's exhausting world of information overload and often overly cold official procedures, it is mainly about creating a welcoming environment where key information is shared through friendly dialogue and informal fun.

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How did you get involved in this project?

I have been actively involved in the topic of migration and the integration of foreigners since my university studies. I have also been working as a lecturer in this field since 2011. It is precisely because of my previous experience that I am in constant contact with the Slovo 21 organization, which approached me with an offer to join the Strengthening project. I was immediately interested, as I can make great use of my many years of experience gained from working with foreigners in this concept, while at the same time gaining a perspective "from the other side" from the participants—the office workers whom foreigners encounter when dealing with their affairs.

How did the Strengthening training sessions go in previous years?

Looking back, every training session I participated in was unique in some way. Even if they were held in the same place for the same target group, the participants were always very different. And it is precisely them—their active approach and "co-creation" of the course content—that makes the Strengthening course what it is. A unique meeting of experts on the topic of interculturalism, where we all have the opportunity to enrich one another with our perspectives. We don't have to have identical views, of course. But we approach not only each other but also potential differing opinions on the issue of the integration of foreigners in general with respect.

And what is it like working with Slovo 21? Since you are in constant contact with them...

(laughs) Yes, I have been working with the organization for over ten years, and during that time I have participated in the implementation of various projects. However, they were mostly focused on foreigners: for example, those who decided to settle in the Czech Republic and need information on how things work here, or asylum seekers looking for refuge in our country from the risks that threatened them (and their families) in their home country—war, dictatorial, oppressive regimes, and similar tragedies.

Does the current form of the training differ significantly from the past ones?

Just like the world around us, the form of the training within the Strengthening project has changed over the years. We try more and more to listen to the participants and meet their needs, rather than just slavishly handing them mountains of information. The courses are currently held in a very relaxed atmosphere that encourages reflection on their work and—mind you—especially relaxation. We are very glad that taking a break from work stress and existential pressures is part of the training we offer them (laughs).

In what way do you think these training sessions are the most beneficial?

A bit rebelliously, I would say that the training offers a space to stop, think, and rest, which in my opinion is very much needed in today's crazy times, yet there is usually no time for it. At these courses, employees from different workplaces meet, can exchange professional experience in an informal environment, and gain personal contacts with colleagues with whom they can solve work matters in the future. A welcoming environment is the foundation for the participant to leave in a positive mood, strengthened and humanly enriched, rather than worn down by the weight of further duties, knowledge, and work procedures.

Do you feel that this type of training will be interesting for officials even in two years' time?

As I said, everything is constantly changing, and so is the content of this course. However, I believe that we respond very flexibly to all changes and adapt the course content so that it is not only current in terms of information but also reflects the changing needs of the participants. So, I think the course will be relevant not only in two years but perhaps even in ten. Because helping refugees—and foreigners in general who are forced to leave their homes due to war and other uncontrollable disasters—will always be necessary; that is what every solidary and culturally and socially advanced civil society stands and falls on.

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This project is funded by the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic.