Empowerment and Capacity Building of Ukrainian War Refugees and Teachers and Support Specialists in Estonian Schools

About this project

<p><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif">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.</span></span></p>

Bilateral cooperation 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.

Project partners

• PIA by Olga Lehmann Donor project partner· Norway
• Tallinn Lilleküla Gymnasium Project partner· Estonia