Solidarity in Crisis

The decision to apply for this project stemmed from a pressing humanitarian crisis caused by the Russian invasion in Ukraine, which resulted in a massive influx of refugees across Europe. In response, our motivation for the project lay in addressing the critical needs of displaced individuals in Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Portugal, including the existing migrant and refugee populations in these countries. Recognizing the potential of entrepreneurial initiatives, especially in digital entrepreneurship and remote work, we aimed to leverage our experience to support refugees in adapting faster and achieving better outcomes. Our project focused on sharing knowledge and supporting digital competencies, career coaching, and entrepreneurship. By doing so, we aimed not only to benefit the direct participants but also to extend the impact to other migrants and NGO workers beyond the immediate project group. In essence, our application was a commitment to contributing actively to the integration and empowerment of those affected by the crisis, fostering resilience, and promoting a cohesive European community.

We pursued the following objectives: - Assist the process of integration of refugees in Portugal, Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria and Europe in general; - Provide the newcomers with the opportunities for entrepreneurship learning, including the digital one; - Provide the newcomers with the opportunities to network at the local and regional levels – business, social and cultural ones, assisting their integration more comprehensively; - Promote digital literacy as an imperative for being up to date with the job market requirements and resilience; - Promote the European democratic values, solidarity and inclusion among the project's local communities and promote these values among the newcomers as well. -Update the competencies of NGOs in helping people with fewer opportunities to start entrepreneurship initiatives; -Increase the capacity of NGOs to help people with fewer opportunities to boost their sense of initiative and entrepreneurship; -Increase the opportunities for NGOs to support cross-border European solidarity, democratic values, active involvement of people into their community life, and democratic European processes.

Apart from a kick-off meeting for the partners, we organized: 1 international mobility for NGO workers where we shared best practices on entrepreneurship learning and integration of refugees; 5 local events (in each of the project countries) on online employment and entrepreneurship for refugees/migrants 5 local networking events (in each of the project countries) for the refugees/migrants with the representatives of the public, business, social and cultural sectors at the local and regional levels; Launched a project website and published a methodology with the findings from working on the integration of Ukrainian refugees in Europe.

The project yielded significant outcomes for refugees and NGOs alike. Refugees achieved improved integration, gained entrepreneurship competencies (including digital skills), and established vital contacts for ongoing support. Simultaneously, NGOs enhanced professionalism, particularly in supporting career and entrepreneurship initiatives, and improved their understanding of digital tools. The quantifiable impact is clear, with around 400 individuals directly participating in project activities and an extended reach through dissemination efforts. Refugee Integration and Entrepreneurship Competencies: Enhanced competencies for entrepreneurship, including digital skills, and readiness for the online job market. Established crucial contacts in various community sectors. Direct participation of around 350 individuals, with broader outreach through dissemination activities. Enhanced NGO Professionalism: Improved capabilities to support career and entrepreneurship initiatives. Enhanced knowledge of digital tools. Five involved NGOs experienced increased professionalism, with additional partners benefiting from dissemination activities.