DIVERSITY HUB PROJECT

UNITE

Ukrainian Newcomer’s Integration Towards Employment!

We are a transnational social innovation project funded by the ESF+ Social Innovation+ Initiative. Our mission is to develop an effective structure and approach to provide the necessary support for refugees fleeing Ukraine. We are dedicated to improving the conditions for their sustainable labour market inclusion and overall social inclusion in their host societies.
Our consortium brings together experts from Sweden, Germany, Austria, and Poland to transfer and further develop working methods customized for this target group.

Why It Matters

The displacement resulting from the war in Ukraine has created an immense need for customised support, as many refugees plan for a long-term future in EU countries. Many hold jobs that do not match their high qualifications.

Our mission is to:

  • Empower individuals – help Ukrainian refugees become financially independent and make full use of their existing skills and experiences.
  • Improve methods – transfer good practices and working methods to new countries and contexts to provide the best possible support.
  • Support integration – improve social cohesion and ensure the target group can contribute actively to society.

What We Do and How We Help

  • Mentoring – inIndividualised support, career guidance, and empowerment initiatives to build confidence.

  • Competence development – tailored training, including language courses (estimated to be the largest share of skills development) and basic IT courses.

  • Skills Validation – implementing the EU approach of competence validation to ensure refugees’ prior skills are recognised.

  • Job Matching – connecting participants with potential employers, facilitating network-building, and organising traineeships.

  • Social and Health Support – Initiatives focused on physical and mental well-being and promoting social cohesion through cultural activities.

  • Toolbox Development – creating the UNITE Methodology Toolbox – a structured framework for partners and stakeholders to replicate our effective approach.

Project Outcomes: What Is the Toolbox?

The UNITE Methodology Toolbox is a key outcome of our development phase. It is a structured framework designed to guide and support the professional and social integration of Ukrainian refugees.This framework is innovative because it blends three powerful elements:

  • The BIP Approach: Inspired by the large-scale Danish progression measurement study (Beskæftigelses Indikator Projektet), focusing on achieving better employment chances through coordinated parallel efforts (holistic support in multiple fields simultaneously).
  • EU Competence Validation: Tools and frameworks ensuring the recognition and assessment of participants’ existing competencies, aligned with EU standards.
  • Mentoring Principles: A dedicated structured mentoring model that forms the core of personalised support.
How the Toolbox Supports Its Users
  • For Participants: It ensures they receive effective, personalised, and integrated support across all critical areas, maximising their chances of finding sustainable employment.
  • For Mentors: It includes a comprehensive Training Programme for Mentors, equipping them with essential skills in communication, cultural adaptation, trauma awareness, and the BIP integration model.
  • For Organizations: It offers replicable Competence-Oriented Learning Approachesfor professional (e.g., training, SME internships) and social integration (e.g., civic projects).

     

Meet the Project Partners

  • Folkuniversitetet (Sweden) – Project Coordinator

  • Bildung und Projekt Netzwerk GmbH (BUPNET) (Germany)

  • die Berater Unternehmensberatungs GmbH (Austria)

  • FUNDACJA DIVERSITY HUB (Poland)

Project Coordinator Contact

Institution: Folkuniversitetet, Sweden
Contact person: Khrystyna Malonoha, Project Manager
Email: khrystyna.malonoha@folkuniversitetet.se
Phone: +46 18 68 00 54