Integration in Spain in the 21st Century – Summary

For non-Spanish speaking EU residents in Spain, integration is often impeded by the following factors:

• Very often, nationalities congregate in the same localized areas, therefore communication and interaction between these residents is more focused within their immediate social and business circles.
• Many residents feel that as members of the EU, they have little social obligation to learn the
  language or culture of their localities.
• Modern communications allow residents anywhere in Spain full access to a multitude of Radio,
  Television, Internet services and Press from their home countries and in their own languages.

Solutions ...

To enable ample integration of EU residents within Spain, these obstacles must be overcome in a manner which is both effective and falls within the framework of regulations regarding plurality and human rights of citizens residing within the EU. For example, obligatory language lessons as a requ isite for an EU citizen to attain residency in a member state would breach these conditions.

The Asociación Cultural para la Integración de los Extranjeros en Españaaims to facilitate medium and long term integration of non-Spanish speaking residents within Spanish territory, by applying some basic marketing principles; offering useful, attractive information, embedded within media in formats known, accepted and trusted by these residents.

Initiatives Include:

• The creation of a website which will act as a central hub of information.
• Production of suitable audio-visual material for distribution to various media and public channels.
• Administration of a radio network (Spectrum FM) as a platform to provide constant information orientated to positively encourage and assist with integration.
• Collaboration with several newspapers and magazines to provide adequate information.
• Organization of events where residents are introduced to Spanish and regional culture.

Project Presentation

La Asociación Cultural para la Integración de los Extranjeros en España is a non-profit making organisation established under the protection of the Ley Orgánica 1/2002, of 22 March and complementary rules with legal capacity, and with full ability to work.

This main objective of the Association is the integration of the foreign immigrant or resident population in our country via the development of programmes, actions and activities of a cultural character.

With national coverage and for an indefinite period, the Association has established its base in the province of Málaga, one of the most highly populated in the Spanish territory and with a significant immigrant population.

The main economic resources of the Association are as follows:

• Membership fees
• Subsidies, donations, bequests or inheritances which may be received in a legal form from its members or other public or private entities
• Any other justifiable resources, agreements or collaboration agreements

Objectives of the Association

Taking all of the above into account, the main objectives of the Asociación Cultural para la Integración de Extranjeros en España are as follows:

This main objective of the Association is the integration of the foreign immigrant or resident population in our country via the development of programs, actions and activities of a cultural character.

• Contribute to the integration of foreign people by using communications media, radio, television, the press, publications and audio visual productions, and create events in various languages.
• Contribute to the education of immigrant persons which would help them to adapt to the life and customs of Spanish society.
• Contribute to the knowledge of the Spanish language by offering courses aimed at foreigners.
• Contribute to their knowledge of Spain’s political and legal system.
• Contribute to facilitating knowledge of the basic values of Spanish culture in all forms of expression, whether relating to art, crafts, folklore, history or gastronomy.
• Undertake studies of integration levels and aptitudes or difficulties experienced by foreigners with integration.

Main Activities of the Association

With the aim of meeting the previously mentioned objectives of the Asociación Cultural para la Integración de los Extranjeros en España, we are currently developing the following activities:

• BROADCAST EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES aimed at satisfying the basic needs of immigrant or resident foreigners in Spain using various communications media which may or may not be the property of the Association, using various languages. As already pointed out, the communications media will use formats already known by foreign people, which will allow the acceptance level to be higher, and, as a consequence, facilitate integration in a discreet and even subliminal form.
• CREATE PROGRAMMES AND EVENTS to provide information about Spain’s culture, customs, education, language, politics, religion, or any other subject which is necessary to make life easier for foreign people in Spain.
• CREATE AND DISTRIBUTE audio visual productions which will provide better knowledge of the labour market and legal subjects.