Welcome to UNITE*
* Ukrainian Newcomer’s Integration Towards Employment!
Who We Are
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.
What We Do
We work holistically, moving beyond the traditional “step-by-step model” by employing coordinated parallel efforts. This means providing comprehensive support in multiple areas simultaneously:
Mentoring
Individualised 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 & 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.
Why We Do It
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.
- Foster Inclusion: Improve social cohesion and ensure the target group can contribute actively to society.
Why We Do It
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.
- Foster Inclusion: Improve social cohesion and ensure the target group can contribute actively to society.
Our Values
The UNITE project is driven by:
- Inclusion: Ensuring accessibility and preventing discrimination based on gender, origin, religion, or disability.
- Collaboration: Working closely within our international consortium and establishing UNITE Hubs for strong cooperation with key local stakeholders (public authorities, employment agencies, civil society).
- Learning: Promoting collective learning, mutual exchange of experiences, and the transfer of proven methodologies, such as the BIP concept, to constantly refine our approach.
- Empowerment: Providing individual support and building the confidence and self-reliance necessary for participants to achieve their personal and professional goals.