Community Bridge to Safe Integration and Socio-legal Awareness of Ukraine Emigrants

Two years after the start of the military aggression against Ukraine, the needs of displaced persons in Bratislava have significantly changed. The initial phase of acute humanitarian aid has transitioned into a phase of long-term social integration. However, the main challenge remains an information vacuum and systemic barriers that foreigners face when interacting with Slovak public institutions (healthcare, education, labor market).

The root cause is not only the language barrier, but also a lack of familiarity with digital tools (e.g. EduPage) and limited understanding of the specifics of the Slovak system (differences in insurance coverage, selection of secondary schools). This situation leads to overuse of emergency services (as people are unable to find general practitioners) and misdirected educational paths for children.

Vulnerable target groups face specific challenges. Working mothers face social isolation. Due to work commitments and lack of childcare, they do not have access to evening language courses, which limits their career growth and financial independence. Children and youth are at risk of marginalization and bullying in the school environment due to cultural differences. Seniors (Slovak and Ukrainian) are most vulnerable to loneliness and social polarization driven by disinformation on social media. Older people often struggle to verify information, which leads to unnecessary inter-community tensions.

The project addresses these issues in a comprehensive way. Instead of passive aid, it promotes active citizenship and self-reliance. Project combines parental education with a safe space for children (family-friendly approach) and break down stereotypes between Slovak and Ukrainian communities through shared, meaningful activities -such as joint weaving of protective nets that support the protection of life, as well as through immersion in the cultures of both communities.
 

The project aims to supplement the association's volunteer activities with professional expert services for displaced persons through specific facilitated activities. These will strengthen the economic, legal, health, educational, digital, and linguistic literacy of the community. Project also intend to use the grant funds to improve the environment and conditions for joint meetings designed to build mutual trust with the majority society and protect the group from social isolation.

The project responds to the current situation of displaced Ukrainians in Bratislava. After 4 years in Slovakia, their needs have shifted from acute humanitarian aid toward systemic integration. This requires professionalizing the ongoing lack of consultancy in labor and tax law, healthcare, education, qualification acquisition, and the prevention of various types of abuse. Members of the Ukrainian community also indicate a need for support in overcoming language barriers, non-inclusive school environments, and anti-Ukrainian disinformation.

Project aims to achieve these goals by providing educational activities and practical skills, strengthening Ukrainian-Slovak bonds within the OBERIH volunteer community, and creating a safe, inclusive space. Furthermore, project will engage in advocacy activities with the City of Bratislava. Through broad communication and media outreach, project seeks to address the wider Slovak public to help eliminate prejudices and stereotypes fueled by Russian propaganda.

Planned Activities:

• Evening inclusive conversation club (12 meetings)
• Workshop “Practical obligations – taxes and finance” (with advocacy use)
• Seminar “Health without borders” (with advocacy use)
• Workshop “Helping a child with education” (with advocacy use)
• Joint knitting “Network of solidarity - intergenerational dialogue”
• Book club of Ukrainian literature (reading and discussion)
• Advocacy within the coordination platform of the city magistrate & creation of the Action Plan to Integration Strategy
   

Project Beneficiaries:

Ukrainian Displace women all ages who found temporary refuge in Bratislava, mostly accompanied by children. They strive to secure employment and to stabilize their children’s education. They face significant challenges: language barriers, a heavy double burden of work and domestic responsibilities, as well as psychological distress, grief, and anxiety.

Displaced Ukrainian children and students have lived in Bratislava for several years. This group includes primary and secondary school students with varying levels of integration and language proficiency. They also often face social exclusion and psychological discomfort.

Slovak and Ukrainian volunteers, specifically, secondary school and university students who volunteer to support the Ukrainian community. 

Ukrainian seniors who came from Ukraine seeking refuge from the war. They actively strive to engage in the Ukrainian community's activities in Bratislava and, within their capabilities, help their fellow citizens and their homeland. 

Slovak seniors who visit the association's premises (e.g., from senior homes). By participating, they are able to fulfill their need for social connection and community inclusion.

Ukrainians of all of these specific groups will benefit from several aspects: improved skills within their economic, legal, health, educational, digital, and linguistic literacy will ease their day-by-day life and strengthen their potential to develop their career and personality. Their presence and activities within friendly and safe community as well as closer social relation will personally stabilize them.

Slovak public will benefit from elimination of prejudices concerning Ukrainians resulting in both increase of tolerance & democracy as well as economic benefit from Ukrainians work & life in Slovak society.