Action Synergy is promoting and coordinating a new approved European educational project (in the framework of the Grundvig programme) which aims to facilitate immigrants to learn the language of their host country.

This project is called METIKOS - Informal Language Learning for Immigrants and aims to promote the use of informal language learning methodologies for the training of immigrants. The aim of the project is to adapt informal learning methodologies that already exist (language café, tandem, virtual language café) in the specific needs of the immigrants. More specifically, through this project there will be organized:

• Learning sessions (based on discussion and dialogue) in public places (café, cultural spaces etc.) with the aid of a facilitator
• Tandem learning sessions where the immigrant will teach his language to someone who is interested to learn it and, in return, s/he will teach the immigrant the language of his/her country
• Learning sessions through the use of social computing where learning will be based on informal discussion and exchange of experiences between immigrants, facilitators and natural speakers.

At the same time, the project aims to develop 3 internet tools which will aim to facilitate the language training of the immigrants (virtual language café, online language community and online repository of existing language resources).

The project is co-financed by the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union (Grundvig) and has been approved for funding last July. In the project they participate 9 partners from 6 countries (Greece, Italy, France, Spain, UK, Germany) who represent all the relevant stakeholders of the sector (immigrants association, NGOs working with immigrants, language learning organizations, local partnerships, organizations experienced in ICT enabled training).

The project is going to last for 2 years and it is expected to start its activities on October.