Papillon

Children & youth

Feb 10

Who: Papillon

What: A centre for diversity and inclusion

Where: Bergen

Project period: 2021-2022

Web: Papillion

Papillon is a multicultural organization in Bergen that works for and believes in the power of an inclusive society. They empower young people and adults with cross-cultural background to become resourceful and independent citizens. They combat exclusion and contribute to increased community participation and social inclusion. Papillon mobilizes the participants to fight the challenges they face, find and build on their own personal resources, and to increase their trust in and knowledge of the Norwegian system. They motivate, encourage and help young people with cross and multicultural background to live independent lives, get an education, find work and become active members of society.

Papillon was founded by Leïla Rezzouk in 2016 who is French Moroccan who started working with women with minority background.

Papillon organizes weekly theme gatherings «Monday meetings», school project «Eg e Meg», workshops, courses, summer camps, a chat service for anonymous advice and guidance, individual guidance, and a generational program for adults «Weledo» Tigrinja (Eritrean) and in Arabic.

In 2019, they also produced information videos about Covid-19 in 27 languages.

Grieg Foundation supports Papillon in a two year project to establish a centre for diversity, inclusion and in Bergen.

“Papillon is passionate about inclusion, diversity and trust within our society.We aim to become a leader in Norway in the generation of jobs and leadership positions for persons with a cross-cultural background. We also intend to inspire many others, and hope to see strong contenders in terms of leadership in diversity and inclusion.”

**- Leïla Rezzouk, Founder**

Project and goals

Within 3 years, Papillon will start up a major initiative working place in Western Norway for:

individuals with a cross-cultural background who would through coaching and networking realize their greater potential and achieve greater ambitions.
business actors and other organizations that see the potential that lies in a diverse organization and management.

Papillon will develop and deliver

Guidelines on diversity, rooted in "best practice" internationally and research. (year 1)
A mentor program / coaching / springboard for individuals with a cross-cultural background. (year 1)
Courses, training, morning meetings, seminars and an annual conference on diversity and leadership. (year 1)
In-house workshops, candidate coaching etc. for business (management, HR, the organization), other organizations, NAV, educational institutions, etc. (year 2)
Entrepreneur training for individuals with a cross-cultural background. (year 2)
Knowledge presentations via media, lectures, teaching, etc. (running)

Papillon has received ‘Jenteprisen´ from Plan International and the ‘Ildsjelprisen’ from the Sparebankstiftelsen SR-bank for our work with social inclusion.