VINCE

Gathering insights from the end-users


We, as health communicators in Östergötland, are employed by the Refugee Medical Centre. Our primary role in the VINCE project is to gather valuable information from end-users—migrants—regarding their needs and preferences for tools that can help them integrate into Swedish society. This collected data, combined with insights from other project partners, will inform the development of both the content and the functionality of the app.

Establishing strong collaborations for effective dialogue

Thanks to our strong, established relationships with a variety of municipal and regional organizations, we have had the opportunity to engage with migrants in various settings. These partnerships have enabled us to create a meaningful dialogue with migrants, allowing us to better understand their integration needs. Through these interactions, we also introduced the VINCE project and discussed how the app can support their integration.

Heterogeneous groups and varied needs

The individuals and groups we meet are highly diverse, with significant differences in their integration needs and circumstances. This diversity is reflected in the broad range of information we’ve gathered. The complexity of the task lies in designing an app that accommodates such a wide variety of needs, providing tailored and relevant support for integration into Swedish society.

Meeting migrants in different contexts

Our interactions with migrants have taken place in various contexts, including:

  • Community orientation groups
  • SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) language training
  • Parent training sessions
  • Healthcare settings
  • Meetings organized by NGOs and other organizations

In these settings, we presented the VINCE project, explained its goals, and discussed the features and tools that would make the app most beneficial for them.

Recognizing gaps in the data

While we have gathered valuable insights, we acknowledge that there are many individuals we have yet to meet. As a result, the data we’ve collected so far cannot be considered exhaustive. There may also be issues that migrants have not shared with us, possibly due to cultural sensitivities, political correctness, or other factors we are not fully aware of.

Collaborating across borders

We are now planning to discuss these potential gaps with our Finnish colleagues. Together, we will analyze the gathered material and reflect on:

  • How do they interpret the data?
  • Are there any surprising topics or perspectives we should consider in the app’s development?
  • Are there important issues missing from the current data, and if so, how should we address them?
  • What insights or alarming data should we prioritize?

Involving migrant organizations for a broader perspective

In addition to meeting directly with migrants, we have also engaged with representatives from migrant organizations. These organizations have contributed to enriching our understanding of migrants’ needs. Furthermore, we have consulted with professionals working with the same target group in the region to gain their insights into what migrants might need, even though we prioritize hearing directly from migrants themselves.

Our commitment to the project

As multicultural health advisors ourselves—part of the migrant community—we deeply appreciate the purpose and design of the VINCE project. We are excited about the prospect of developing an app that will make a tangible difference in helping migrants integrate into Swedish society. We are highly committed to our role in the project and are dedicated to ensuring its success.
The VINCE project is not just a professional responsibility for us—it is a personal mission. We are determined to contribute to creating an app that will serve as a vital tool for migrants in their journey toward a successful and fulfilling life in Sweden

Text: Roberto Felizia, Refugee Health Center in Östergötland, Sweden