In Utrecht, the kickoff event of the MILAGRO-project took place on September 10, 2024. It was held at the theater of community center Het Wilde Westen, a neighborhood center where the local civil associations organize activities for asylum-seekers, status-holders and people living in that neighborhood.
The two-hours long event provided participants with an overview of the aims of the MILAGRO project in the framework of the EU CERV funding program, and its Citizens and Engagement strand. The priorities of the project within this strand were outlined, followed by the aimed impact and description of the multiple activities that will be organized in Utrecht, as well as across the three partner’s locations. Two of the local community partners (Common Frames and Online Coaching Academy) presented the aims and scope of their organizations, and their interest in collaborating with Utrecht University in the project.
There was a musical intermezzo performed by two members of Musicaz, a music collective that makes inclusive music with refugees in refugee reception centers. The duo performed classical songs in Arabic. The formal meeting was concluded with an informal social event with food and drinks.
Organizations that attended the event were Het Welkomhuis/Dock (DOCK supports people in taking initiatives by establishing the contact between residents and organizations in the neighborhood); Het Wilde Westen (cultural center supporting citizens’ artistic and cultural initiatives); Common Frames (film and media projects with (young) newcomers); the Online Coaching Center / Online Coaching Academy (trained student-coaches guide students at Utrecht University in their personal development and personal growth); Utrecht University/University College Utrecht. Furthermore, there were some interested citizens.
