Thanks to the Cohesion’s Action for Refugees in Europe (CARE), the Polish ESF project ‘Chance – New Opportunities for Adults’ has received an additional EUR 2.7 million (PLN 13 million) to extend its support to people fleeing from Russian aggression in Ukraine. New activities will apply the project’s tested models and good practices for upskilling adults to empower displaced persons from Ukraine to meet the many challenges of integrating into their host society.
After the first actions offering temporary material, housing and food assistance to war refugees from Ukraine, it is time for more systemic and long-term support.’ said Małgorzata Jarosińska-Jedynak, Poland’s Deputy Minister for Funds and Regional Policy. She also pointed out that the ‘Chance’ project provides a ready-made model tailored to the needs of these refugees.
Funded through the Polish ESF Knowledge Education Development operational programme (POWER), and implemented by the Foundation for the Development of Education Systems, ‘Chance’ has been developing and testing innovative models of educational support since 2018. Focusing on adults with low basic skills, the project’s activities aim to improve participants’ literacy, numeracy, digital and social competences, and achieve higher qualifications, offering real opportunities to participate in the labour market and society. The project uses a personalised model – diagnosing individuals’ skills prior to fitting them with education or training activities. Newly gained skills and competencies are then validated upon completion of their course.
The broadened ‘Chance’ will help people fleeing the war settling in Poland to learn the Polish language, gain knowledge in their chosen career and navigate any legal hurdles they may face during their integration – including how government agencies work, financial issues, transport and communication – as well as provide critical medical, legal and mental health support. The project’s enhanced activities will enable new arrivals to find their place in Poland by acquiring the skills and language knowledge needed to be active members of Polish society.
It is hoped the new activities will show how the EU temporary protection which provides Ukrainians with access to education, jobs and social services translates into long-term benefits for both Member States and individuals integrating into the region.
