Description
Inspired by the Norwegian model, the project raised the capacity of social partners for an effective social dialogue in the education sector to meet the challenges of Ukrainian refugees.
Building on the results of the first ISDE project, which strenghtened the social dialogue in the education sector, the second phase built the capacity of social partners to tackle the inflow of Ukrainian refugees, but also to integrate teaching staff among refugees into the education system.
The project promoter is a regional branch of the Polish trade union OPZZ, who continued the partnership with the Norwegian trade union Skolenes Landsforbund which provided expertise about the Norwegian model in the education sector. The project also had an important partnership with employers at regional level, and involved local authorities in tripartite round table meetings.
The second important action of the project was directly targeted at facilitating the integration of refugees (teachers, teaching assistants) into the Polish education system and raise awareness of their rights.
The following activities were carried out:
- Communication and awareness-raising activities, including a launch networking event online, an online campaign targeting Ukrainian refugees, 2 Info days for stakeholders and refugees.
- Capacity-building in social dialogue through exchange of Norwegian experience on migrants and refugees in the educational system, a strategy report with recommendations, two Workshops with experts from Norway.
- A 2-days Tripartite Round Table between teachers, principals, trade union representatives, employers’ representatives and authorities
- Video tutorial, including one module for refugees (teachers, educators etc. )
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several issues and challenges, primarily focusing on the integration of Ukrainian refugees into the Polish education system. This included the integration of both students and teaching staff, which posed significant challenges due to the sudden and large influx of refugees. The project also aimed to improve social dialogue in the education sector by building the capacity of social partners to engage in effective tripartite dialogue at the regional level. This was necessary to find solutions to the challenges posed by the refugee influx and to facilitate the employment of teaching staff among the refugees by raising their awareness about working rights and possibilities.
Activities included communication and awareness-raising activities such as an online launch networking event, an online dissemination campaign, the publication of an article targeting Ukrainian refugees, and the distribution of leaflets translated into Ukrainian. Additionally, two information days were organised for stakeholders and refugees. Capacity-building activities included the exchange of Norwegian experience on migrants and refugees in the educational system, the preparation of a strategy report with recommendations, and the organisation of two two-day workshops on migration policy and the educational system with experts from Norway. A two-day tripartite round table meeting was also held, involving teachers, principals, trade union representatives, boards of education, employers'' representatives, and authorities. Furthermore, a video tutorial was created, consisting of two modules: one for Ukrainian refugees on their rights and duties as education sector workers, and another for social dialogue players.
The project improved the qualifications, knowledge, and skills of Polish social partners to conduct social dialogue. The project also strengthened Polish Norwegian cooperation in the field of social dialogue in education, facilitating the process of adapting schools to the current situation resulting from the war in Ukraine. This cooperation was deepened through the implementation of project activities.
The project facilitated the inclusion of refugees, particularly teachers and teaching assistants, into the Polish education system by raising their awareness of their rights and duties. Additionally, the project raised awareness of the problems in the educational sector, especially those caused by the influx of refugees from Ukraine and presented recommendations on how to counteract negative phenomena through a round table meeting. The project learned from the Norwegian model of cooperation within the framework of social dialogue in education, benefititng the social dialogue in the Polish education sector.
One colleague from Ukraine was invited to participate in the project, the Chairwoman of the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine in the Lviv District based in Lviv took part in all events except Info Days in Opole. Apart from her, there were several Ukrainian teachers at the Info Days who work in Polish schools.
Summary of bilateral results
The Norwegian trade union Skolenes Landsforbund was a partner in both phases of the project, and they were involved in the preparation of the project, facilitated the exchange of experience and enabled the comparison of different points of view on the topics covered in the project.