September 2023

From Planning to Action: LACE kicks off 

The Learning, Awareness, and Counselling for Empowerment in the Central Mediterranean Route (LACE) project has officially moved from a productive inception phase into full implementation. Funded by the European Commission’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), LACE is an innovative initiative designed to equip people in Niger, Nigeria, and Tunisia with the tools and knowledge to make informed migration decisions.

The kickoff meeting, held with Consortium partners DRC Greece and PONTES, marked a major milestone—setting the stage for impactful activities aimed at empowering individuals and communities along the Central Mediterranean Route (CMR).

Tackling Migration Challenges with a Systemic Approach

LACE takes a holistic and systemic approach to migration awareness and decision-making. The project specifically targets:

• Potential migrants—before they embark on irregular journeys.
• Irregular migrants in transit—providing crucial information and alternatives.
• Influencers—including family members, community and religious leaders, diaspora, and local actors such as teachers, media professionals, and authorities.

Through this multi-layered strategy, LACE ensures that individuals and communities are better equipped to navigate migration choices with accurate, up-to-date information and support.

Impact at Scale: Reaching Millions Across Three Countries

LACE aims to make a tangible difference by:

• Engaging 1.4 million people through targeted social media campaigns that raise awareness about migration realities and available support.
• Providing counselling to 11,000 individuals considering irregular migration or already on the move.
• Training 1,000 community and household influencers in Nigeria who can shape migration decisions within their communities.
• Organizing community events, radio programs, and local initiatives in Niger, Nigeria, and Tunisia to create sustainable impact.
• Training 70 teachers in Nigeria and 30 educators in Tunisia to enhance youth awareness and informed decision-making.
• Strengthening the capacity of local organizations, with PONTES leading efforts in Tunisia and JMED (Jeunesse Enfance Migration Développement), driving activities in Niger.

The Central Mediterranean Route from West Africa to Tunisia

Laying the Foundation: Research & Communications Strategy

A strong evidence base drives LACE’s communications approach. Over the first three months, Seefar, DRC Greece, and Pontes conducted extensive research to define target audiences and tailor messaging for maximum impact. This work led to the development of the Communications Strategy and Toolkit, delivered in August 2023.

These resources not only guide the LACE project but also serve as a valuable reference for other development actors seeking to address irregular migration—an issue that requires sensitivity, accuracy, and strategic behavior-change communication.

Driving Change Through Expertise & Innovation

With a proven track record in migration communication campaigns, Seefar brings deep expertise in behavior change communications in the field of migration, leveraging:

• The 3E impact approach (Ethical, Engaged, Effective).
• The well-established “The Migrant Project” brand.
• Strong local partnerships like Pontes in Tunisia and JMED in Niger.

By combining data-driven strategies, grassroots engagement, and digital innovation, LACE is set to drive meaningful change—helping individuals and communities make informed, empowered migration decisions.

Stay tuned for more updates as the project unfolds!

Image by Ron Dauphin, Unsplash