(c) Canva
The project aims to address the challenges faced by young Ukrainians displaced by the а full-scale invasion from russia in 2022. The conflict has resulted in a significant number of young Ukrainians being displaced from their homes, creating a need for targeted support and interventions to help them integrate into new communities. One of the key challenges facing displaced Ukrainian youth in Europe is the struggle to integrate into new communities and adapt to unfamiliar environments due to language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of social support networks.
The programme
Our goals for these project collectively aim to create a lasting impact on the lives of displaced Ukrainian youth and enhance the capacity of youth workers to provide effective support, ultimately contributing to the successful integration and well-being of the displaced youth, both internally, and towards the European Union
· Addressing the Needs of Displaced Ukrainian Youth:
- Equip youth workers with the knowledge, skills, and methodologies required to support displaced Ukrainian youth effectively.
- Enhance the capacity of youth workers to foster successful integration of displaced youth into their new communities.
· Professional Development for Youth Workers:
- Provide specialized training and professional development opportunities to youth workers from Ukraine and those who have been displaced to Austria, Poland, and Portugal.
- Expose participants to the best practices in open youth work.
· Promotion of Social Inclusion and Active Citizenship:
- Support the integration of marginalized and vulnerable groups, specifically displaced Ukrainian youth, into local communities.
- Empower individuals to take an active role in their communities and contribute to the well-being of society at large.
· Enhancement of Youth Work Practices:
- Introduce innovative approaches and methodologies in youth work, particularly for working with displaced populations.
- Foster modernization and innovation in youth work by sharing successful methodologies and best practices from Austria and other European countries.
· Development of Collaborative Networks:
- Establish a network for knowledge exchange and skills enhancement among youth workers in Ukraine and the EU.
- Facilitate international cooperation and networking between youth workers and organizations across Europe.
· Impact and Sustainability:
- Publish recommendations and best practices on open-access platforms to benefit a wide audience.
- Ensure that the project's outcomes are integrated into ongoing programs and initiatives through partnerships with relevant organizations, institutions, and government agencies.
· Policy Influence:
- Influence youth policy in Ukraine by introducing and disseminating best practices in youth work with war migrants and immigrants.
- Advocate for the integration of the project's findings and methodologies into relevant policies and guidelines for youth workers in Ukraine.
The participationg organizations collectively bring diverse expertise and resources to support the integration and empowerment of displaced Ukrainian youth through various cultural, educational, and social initiatives. They are mostly formed by Ukrainians active in youth workers work either in the West Ukraine or in their respective current countries of residence.
AUSTRIA
WIENXTRA
Activities: Promotes activities for children, youth, and families in Vienna. Offers programs and initiatives to support youth engagement and development.
The European Center for Freedom and Independence
Activities: Engages in activities that promote freedom and independence, particularly supporting displaced youth and their integration into European communities. Strengthens the competencies of Ukrainian professionals by providing them with European experience and engaging them in the reconstruction of Ukraine and its integration into the EU.
UKRAINE
Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine
Youth Workers' Association of Ukraine
Activities: Supports the professional development of youth workers in Ukraine. Engages in activities to empower youth and integrate displaced young people.
Executive Committee of Palanka Village Council
Activities: Provides administrative and social support services to the local community in Palanka, Ukraine. Involved in initiatives to support displaced persons.
POLAND
Fundacja "Stand with Ukraine"
Activities: Organizes cultural activities and engagement opportunities with local communities. Focuses on supporting displaced Ukrainian youth.
FRANCE
Echanges Lorraine Ukraine
Activities: The European League of Ukrainians (ELU) is an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the interests and culture of Ukrainians in Europe through advocacy, cultural events, and community-building initiatives.
PORTUGAL
Association "Descoberta de Momentos”
Activities: Advocates for the rights and well-being of Ukrainian youth in Portugal. Organizes non-formal education programs, integration initiatives, and recreational activities.
(c) Oksana Maslova
The primary target group were Ukrainian participants with experience in youth work who are currently active in the sector, either in Ukraine or in the participating countries. The main objective of the Vienna activity was to develop a common understanding of the needs of Ukrainian youth, to share effective practices and to develop actionable recommendations for improving youth work across Europe. Through study visits to different Viennese institutions, participants learned about the Viennese approach to youth work and discussed its relevance to their local realities. It also provided opportunities for networking, cultural exchange and professional development.
The conference in Warsaw, Poland, marked the second major activity in our ongoing project. Building on the momentum and insights gained from our previous event in Vienna, this conference featured dynamic panel discussions, inspiring keynote speeches, and interactive exchanges between participants. Our primary goal was to get deeper into the results and recommendations from Vienna, refining and adapting them to better fit the current practices in youth work.
Event Details
- Location: Warsaw, Poland
- Conference Dates: October 10-11
- Arrival Date: October 9
- Departure Date: October 12
During the Vienna activity, the group was able to reflect on the needs of displaced Ukrainian youth and to develop a first set of recommendations. These were divided according to their target group: the first set of recommendations is addressed to the youth work practitioners, the second target group is the political level.
You can read the main points of the recommendations in this PowerPoint presentation here, or you can read the full analysis and recommendations from the Vienna activity in this document.
You can read the final recomendations after the Warsaw conference here!
