On April 10th, we hosted a full-day training in Budapest as part of the ReROOT project, welcoming nine professionals – all coming from NGOs working in the integration of migrants and refugees – to explore new tools and practices for supporting newly arrived migrants.
The day centered around five tools from the ReROOT Toolkit. We began with Tool 6: Multiple Identities and Tool 7: Migration Journeys, both of which offered deep reflection on the layered personal and professional identities we all carry – and how this awareness helps in our work with diverse communities.
In Tool 14: Primary Needs of Newcomers, we mapped key challenges that migrants often face upon arrival – from housing to information access – and how different services can respond more effectively.
The afternoon invited participants out into the streets of the neighborhood with Photovoice and Carefree Spaces. Through role cards and group walks, participants explored the area through the eyes of a newly arrived migrant, a local newcomer from rural Hungary, and a municipal intercultural officer. They documented their impressions through photographs – noticing what might feel welcoming, confusing, or unsafe.
At the end of the day, participants shared a final sentence to capture what they were taking with them. Many emphasized practical insights and emotional takeaways alike. One participant reflected, “I want to integrate the identity tool into my own work,” highlighting the relevance of Tool 6 in day-to-day client engagement. Another noted, “I really hope I won’t forget to use description, interpretation, and evaluation in the right context,” a reminder of the nuanced approach needed when working across cultures. “I paid attention to things I normally overlook,” one participant reflected. “The roleplay opened up entirely new perspectives.” And one participant summed up the day with a smile: “That I can always learn something new – and I had a really good time.” These reflections mirror the day’s balance between learning, sharing, and connecting.