The "Social and Labour Integration of Ukrainian Refugees in Four CEI Countries" project, implemented by the Association of Innovative and Digital Education (AIDE), has significantly exceeded its initial goals, providing crucial support to Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. Originally aiming to assist 4,180 individuals, the programme has successfully supported 9,581 people, making a substantial impact in these host nations.
Running from February 1 to July 31, 2024, the project was designed to address the needs of over 1 million refugees in Poland, with significant numbers also in Slovakia and Bulgaria. It focused on helping these displaced individuals adapt to life in their new countries, navigate legal and employment systems, and find a sense of belonging. Additionally, the programme extended its support to IDPs within Ukraine, offering vital psychological, legal, and career assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict.
Since the beginning, when the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine submitted a request for support right after the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the CEI has welcomed the mission of the project, that is providing assistance to Ukraine affected by a huge emergency due to the war.
The programme included various activities such as online and offline courses on psychosocial support, business English, legal issues, and career development. Language training and cultural integration initiatives, such as visits to cultural centres, were also provided. These efforts aimed to equip refugees with new skills, enhance their employability, and foster a sense of community, thus improving their prospects for long-term stability in their host countries.
The success of the project can be attributed to the strong collaboration between the Ukrainian Education Hub and local organisations in the host countries. This partnership ensured that the specific needs of displaced individuals were met effectively and efficiently.
Building on the success of this initiative, the Ukrainian Education Hub plans to further expand its programmes to provide ongoing support and resources for displaced Ukrainians.
The network of Ukrainian educational hubs operate in Poland, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. The CEI has been supporting the network since 2022 with the establishment of the Hub in Poland, which has been instrumental in facilitating the integration of Ukrainian refugees, particularly women.
For more info: fabro@cei.int
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