What is Inspiration for Integration (IVI)
IVI 2008 opens the gaming season for bicultural talent.
With a population of 16 million and 190 (!) different nationalities, the Netherlands truly has a multicultural society. People with different cultures, backgrounds, religions and traditions live and work side-by-side. Unfortunately, recent incidents have shown that integration is not without its problems, and preconceptions and negative reports in the media feed the negative perception people have about other cultural groups.
Perceptions contribute to the general sentiment in a country. The formation of a more positive image can enable more talent to be used in the Netherlands. Combining all the forces in a country can only be positive for the economy and society as a whole. Seven inspirational forces will be chosen to create a snowball effect in the Netherlands. Such a snowball effect is considered successful if it has inspired others in their projects, backgrounds and personalities.
The objective is twofold:
1) to give a new impetus to the perception of biculturals in the Netherlands
2) a positive message that a second culture is an enrichment for the business community.
Seven sponsors have seven goals concerning “Inspiration for Integration” and are seeking seven top individuals to devise and complete a project within 10 weeks. “Passion, positivity, inspiring leadership and perseverance are the main characteristics we’re looking for in the candidates. Then it is time for IVI to take on Europe, which is also full of bicultural talent that can move into the spotlight. "This third IVI should be a prelude to a European form of IVI," says Y. Candan.
The grand prize will literally take the winner beyond his or her own borders to get to know some of the world’s multicultural hotspots: a trip for two to Rio de Janeiro, New York, Shanghai and Istanbul.
In addition, the Metro newspaper will award a fantastic public prize: a place at Harvard Summer School!
16th May 2008: Dounia el Baraka has been announced as the winner of the 2008 Inspiration for Integration award.
For more information about IVI contact:
Yeşim Candan
Telephone: +31 64 70 84 444
y.candan@debaak.nl