Qec-Eran

The UDIEX-ALEP project is funded by the URBACT programme which seeks to harness the lessons learnt and good practice developed through the URBAN programme.

URBAN was launched over eight years ago. URBAN 1 (1994-2000) and URBAN II (2000-2006) are major programmes designed to assist target areas in tackling major challenges. Together, over 250 cities/towns have been and are still involved in URBAN. The interim review of the URBAN I highlighted the need to develop a more effective transfer and exchange of experience between URBAN projects and in particular key actors at a local level.

The URBACT programme was established to address this issue and has therefore established a number of key "thematic networks". One of these relates to the theme of Social Inclusion. For further information regarding URBACT please visit their website www.urbact.org.

In April 2003 the City of Venice with the support of QeC-ERAN, submitted an outline proposal to develop a thematic exchange in relation to the twin themes of Diversity and Inclusion. In June 2003 this proposal was provisionally approved and on November 5 th our proposal was formally approved by the URBACT monitoring committee.

The UDIEX-ALEP project brings together a partnership of 27 Partners. As such the UDIEX-ALEP project is the largest network within the URBACT programme. Consequently, participation provides for a very rich and broad exchange of experience. For further information visit the UDIEX-ALEPwebsite.

These topic-based exchange workshops reflect the subjects that the partner cities/towns have identified. Currently, six such themes have been identified:

Children and young people at the margins
Participation and Empowerment
Long- term unemployment and Discrimination in the labour market
Enterprise Development
Integration Strategies
Physical Renewal and Cultural Diversity

These "sessions" are the second element of Udiex-Alep. They will bring together a cross-section of participants from the eight topic-based workshops and will focus on the core themes of Diversity and Inclusion and highlight key trends and issues at a European level.

The Mentoring and Coaching Network is is the third element of Udiex-Alep. All the profiles of participants in the programme will be placed on the UDIEX-ALEP website and participants will have access to these profiles. The profiles will be created by participants with a view to ensuring that what they have to offer and what they need is known to all participants. This will assist participants in making links with other participants on an individual or group basis. This will enable the development of on-line "chat-sessions" on specific areas of interest.

The UDIEX Newsflash is implemented by the Venice Management Team (VMT) and aims to establish an electronic on line service for all participants to ensure information and communication as means for on-going feedback on the development of the project. One News Flash is emailed by the VMT to all the project partners and ALEP Participants every six weeks. Click here to read the UDIEX-ALEP Flash