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Description
The project aims to increase the influence of vulnerable groups in Estonian society by involving and empowering Ukrainian war refugees, and by supporting and raising awareness of teachers and support professionals in Estonian schools. The project consists of three activities: 1) a program of city camps for children and young people; 2) a support group for women, and 3) a series of workshops for teachers and support professionals, focusing on raising awareness about cultural sensitivity and adaptation of war refugees. The project team includes project manager and project assistant /communication specialist responsible for project planning, implementation and communication, and an Ukrainian psychologist leading the support group and participating in the activities of the city camps. As a result of the project, the participants are more empowered to make decisions about their live, and their sense of belonging to Estonia and the local community has grown. Teachers and support professionals are more aware of the issue related to refugee adaptation and their cultural awareness has increased. The activities of the project support the formation of a network of cooperation and support between Ukrainian war refugees and a community of practice among teachers and support specialists in Tallinn and Harju County.
Summary of project results
The project was needed due to the challenging situation faced by children, young people, and women who have fled the war zone in Ukraine and are now living in Estonia. As refugees, they encounter various difficulties, including language barriers, differences in the education system and labor market, and the risk of social exclusion. Additionally, Estonian teachers and support specialists require further training and awareness to better understand and assist members of the Ukrainian community.
The project is necessary to:
- Improve the inclusion of Ukrainian refugee children, young people, and women in Estonian society.
- Provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their independence and empowerment.
- Support Estonian educators and specialists to offer more effective assistance.
- Reduce social and economic inequalities among vulnerable groups.
The project included various activities aimed at supporting children, young people, and women who have relocated from Ukraine to Estonia:
- Urban Camps and Hip-Hop Training for Children and Young People
A program of urban camps was organized, along with hip-hop training sessions and youth meetups held twice a week. In total four urban camps were held with 100 participants. Hip-hop training and youth meetups engaged 61 young people.
These activities aimed to foster social interaction among young participants. In the second phase of the project, the focus was on reaching marginalized youth at higher risk of social isolation. - Support Groups and Excursions for Women
Support groups and community outings were organized for Ukrainian women. 14 support group meetings were held with 45 participants. Excursions and community meetings engaged 76 women.
The goal was to promote social inclusion and empowerment through peer support. In the second phase, the focus shifted to community-based support activities, as direct mental health support (such as support groups) was found to be less attractive to participants. - Workshops for Teachers and Support Specialists
To enhance awareness of refugee adaptation challenges, including trauma, grief, and working with difficult emotions, four workshops were held for 44 teachers and support specialists working in Estonian schools.
The activities implemented within the project aimed at children, young people, and women war refugees from Ukraine have successfully achieved their intended goals. On one hand, these activities facilitated social connections among participants, helping them build support networks. Additionally, they fostered interaction between refugees and local communities, contributing to their adaptation and integration into Estonian society. On the other hand, one of the most significant outcomes has been the emergence of an active youth group led by a young Ukrainian dance coach and a similarly engaged women''s group that continues to meet regularly and explore self-organized initiatives. These self-sustaining activities are particularly crucial for enhancing the agency and inclusion of war refugees, demonstrating that the project has provided meaningful support.
Regarding the project''s objectives related to supporting teachers and support specialists, the initiative successfully offered opportunities for professional development, equipping participants with greater knowledge and awareness of refugee adaptation and integration challenges. However, some aspects, such as the establishment of a teachers'' practice community, may have been overly ambitious given the project''s scope.
A key objective was to involve as many Ukrainian refugee professionals as possible in the implementation of project activities. This approach was not only valuable in terms of language and cultural sensitivity but also contributed to the broader integration of war refugees into Estonian society. The project provided employment opportunities for several Ukrainian refugees, including a psychologist who facilitated women’s support groups, Ukrainian staff involved in children''s camps, a youth dance coach who relocated from Ukraine, and a Ukrainian singer who performed at the final event. These contributions have played an essential role in achieving the project''s goals, ensuring both immediate support and long-term community-building for those affected by war.
Summary of bilateral results
The collaboration with the Norwegian partner Olga V. Lehmann within the framework of this project was beneficial in terms of enhancing the awareness, knowledge, and skills of the project implementers. The established collaborative relationships during the project will continue, and Loovalt Koos plans to explore opportunities for study visits to the Norwegian partner. The initiated collaboration within the project has provided the opportunity to get acquainted with the creative writing program supporting the grieving process implemented by Olga V. Lehmann in the form of a workshop during the project. Implementing a similar program in the Estonian context could be considered as one of the future directions for developing the activities of Loovalt Koos.