The REACT – Together for Ukrainian Refugees project was created to address the urgent needs of Ukrainian refugees following the largest displacement crisis in Europe since World War II.

The material was created under the project Project KA210-ADU – Small-scale partnerships in adult education

2023-1-RO01-KA210-ADU-000165004 financed by European Commission through Erasmus+ program.

Operating across Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania, the initiative brought together a network of over 50 organizations, including NGOs, local authorities, mental health professionals, and educational institutions, to provide targeted support for refugees’ integration and well-being.

Key Areas of Focus:

•Language Proficiency: The project provided practical language courses tailored to refugees’ immediate needs, such as accessing healthcare, navigating public services, and pursuing employment. Programs in all three countries prioritized A2-level proficiency to empower participants in daily life and work settings.

•Mental Health Support: Culturally sensitive mental health workshops addressed trauma, anxiety, and stress. Refugees were supported through mindfulness exercises, trauma-informed care, and access to psychological resources.

•Community Integration: Social inclusion was encouraged through cultural exchange activities, peer support networks, and partnerships with local communities and businesses to foster vocational opportunities.

Collaborative Partnerships:

1.Poland:

In Poland, the project partnered with local NGOs, including Jaw Dikh and Fundacja Instytut Poland-Ukraine. These organizations provided language workshops specifically for Ukrainian women, including members of the Roma community. Mental health support was integrated into job-specific language training and digital skills sessions, fostering emotional resilience and employability.

Impact: Over 500 refugees benefited from tailored programs that significantly improved their confidence, emotional well-being, and readiness to engage in the labor market.

2.Bulgaria:

In collaboration with Champions Factory, the project launched a targeted Language and Mental Health Integration Program. Community outreach, primarily through trusted networks, ensured strong participation. The curriculum addressed the dual goals of equipping participants with formal language certifications (A2 level) and providing a safe, supportive environment to build emotional resilience.

Impact: The program supported 15 participants who successfully completed the language course, enhanced their confidence, and reported improved social integration and employment prospects.

3.Romania:

Asociația Anaid implemented the Language and Emotional Resilience Program, which combined Romanian language learning with emotional well-being workshops. Participants engaged in role-playing, art therapy, and mindfulness activities while building practical language skills for everyday situations.

Impact: Over 85% of participants achieved A2-level proficiency in Romanian, reducing isolation and enabling better community engagement. Peer support groups established during the program continued to thrive post-completion.

Achievements:

•Facilitated measurable improvements in language proficiency, enabling participants to access jobs and services across host countries.

•Reduced stress and anxiety levels in participants through integrated mental health support.

•Fostered lasting partnerships between local organizations and refugee communities, creating sustainable support networks.

The REACT Toolkit:

The project culminated in the development of the REACT Toolkit, a comprehensive guide for NGOs, social workers, and volunteers. It includes best practices, culturally sensitive strategies, and step-by-step instructions for language and mental health program implementation. The toolkit emphasizes inclusivity and adaptability, ensuring that it meets the needs of diverse refugee populations.

By building resilience, promoting self-reliance, and strengthening community ties, the REACT project has become a model for collaborative, impactful refugee support across Europe.

For romanian version please click here

For ukrainian version please click here

For english version please click here