Changing lives, shaping destinies

The main objective of the project was to strengthen the preparedness and capacity of schools to integrate refugee and migrant students—especially those from Ukraine—into the educational system. Ou...

The main objective of the project was to strengthen the preparedness and capacity of schools to integrate refugee and migrant students—especially those from Ukraine—into the educational system. Our aim was to create a supportive, safe, and inclusive environment that meets the emotional, cultural, and educational needs of these children. Through the project, we aimed to: Enhance teachers’ competencies in working with traumatized students and managing diversity, Develop and pilot practical tools, methodologies, and training programs for educators, Raise awareness within the community about the importance of inclusion and refugee support, Strengthen cooperation between schools, local authorities, parents, and NGOs, Create a model of good practice that is sustainable and transferable to other regions or future migration waves. Additionally, we wanted refugee students to feel accepted, respected, and motivated to participate in education and integrate into their new society. We also sought to learn from more experienced partners and apply their insights in our teaching practices to improve the overall school environment and integration outcomes.

In the project, we implemented four main activities: A1 – Needs Assessment: In the initial phase, we conducted a survey among teachers and specialists in partner schools to identify their needs when working with refugee students. The results served as a framework for designing the next project phases. A2 – Methodological Guidelines and Piloting: We developed specialized guidelines for teachers, including procedures for working with traumatized children, strategies for inclusion, and cultural sensitivity. These materials were pilot-tested in all three project countries. A3 – Teacher Training: We organized multiple training sessions for educators focused on trauma-informed approaches, communication, and creating a safe and supportive school environment. Psychologists and mental health professionals were also involved in the training. A4 – Dissemination of Results: We actively shared the project results with the wider public through community events (e.g., "Ukraine Day"), online resources (OER), eTwinning activities, and media outreach. All activities were tailored to local contexts and supported the inclusion of refugee children in schools.

The project delivered several tangible outputs and positive results that contributed to more inclusive education and better integration of refugees. We developed a comprehensive methodological guide for teachers, containing practical tools and recommendations for working with children with specific needs, focusing especially on trauma, language barriers, and integration into the school community. Teachers from partner countries participated in professional training (LTTA), which enhanced their competencies in inclusive and culturally sensitive teaching.The methodologies were pilot-tested directly in classrooms, contributing to improved interpersonal relationships, reduced conflicts, and the creation of a safer environment for all students. We also organized community events that helped build connections between the local community and refugee families, promoting understanding and tolerance.Project outputs were made available as Open Educational Resources (OER) on platforms such as eTwinning, school websites, and social media, ensuring wide accessibility. The project established a sustainable support model that schools can continue to develop, thereby contributing to the long-term integration of students from diverse backgrounds.