WoI - Waves of Inclusion

The "Waves of Inclusion" project aims to promote the social inclusion and overall well-being of refugee youth (ages 10–17), particularly Ukrainian refugees displaced by the ongoing crisis. This project harnesses the transformative potential of water-based sports activities and mindfulness practices to address the diverse challenges faced by young refugees, such as social isolation, trauma, and integration barriers in host communities. The project’s dual focus on physical activities and emotional healing ensures a holistic approach to integration, enabling participants to overcome challenges and thrive in their new environments. The project also prioritizes interaction between refugee and local youth, creating a foundation for mutual understanding, trust, and long-term community relationships. Specifically, over a six-month period, 40 refugee participants in Romania and Poland will take part in weekly mixed-group water-based sport activities with local youth fostering a sense of safety, belonging, and confidence. Additionally, mindfulness sessions will be held to help refugees address trauma, build resilience, and develop self-regulation. The key output of the project will be an Open Educational Resource (OER), a Guide on water-based sports activities and mindfulness practices, that will serve as a valuable tool to promote social inclusion and improve the mental and physical well-being of refugees. Avaliable in English, Romanian, Polish, and Greek, the OER will be widely shared online and through 3 local events, making it accessible to educators, trainers and organizations across Europe, thus enabling broad adoption and adaptation of the project's methodology. The objectives of the "Waves of Inclusion" project align with the Erasmus+ Programme since its uses sport as a means for social inclusion, particularly for marginalized and displaced populations, fosters social cohesion, cross-border cooperation, and promotes active participation in physical activity. that is published through this page expresses the views of the project beneficiaries only and it does not represent the views of the European Union or the European Commission. It shall not be deemed to constitute legal or official notice on behalf of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for this content nor the use thereof made by any third parties. Page 2 of 2