It is highly significant to train and raise Youth workers in the cultural, social awareness about refugee-related issues to support the inclusion of refugees in a society as each European country and last, but not least country regions differ in culture and social inclusion points of views, communication and behavioural attitudes. Trainings will be built on the method of non-formal learning. The awareness on the culture and social inclusion of the youth workers will be fostered by exchange of best practices, tools and methods to tackle during the trainings.

FOR YOUTH WORKERS

MODULE 2

NA UPRCHLÍKY Z UKRAJINY

PREFACE

The unprecedented displacement caused by the war in Ukraine has led to the resettlement of millions of Ukrainian refugees across Europe and beyond. This curriculum, Cultural and Social Inclusion Principles and Values Applied to Ukrainian Refugees, is designed to support the integration of Ukrainian refugees into host communities while preserving their cultural identity and fostering mutual understanding.
This initiative is rooted in the belief that inclusion is a two-way street, requiring both refugees and host communities to engage in dialogue, empathy, and collaboration. By embracing shared values such as respect, equality, and solidarity, we can build bridges that transcend cultural differences and create inclusive societies where everyone can thrive.
The principles and values explored in this program reflect a commitment to human dignity, diversity, and the potential for shared growth. It aims to empower Ukrainian refugees to navigate their new environments with confidence and resilience while fostering appreciation and connection between them and their host communities.
Through practical tools, culturally sensitive content, and opportunities for meaningful exchange, this curriculum seeks to provide:

1. A foundational understanding of cultural adaptation and inclusion.
2. Strategies for overcoming challenges and building resilience during the integration process.
3. Opportunities to celebrate cultural diversity and strengthen social cohesion.

The lessons within are informed by global best practices, local insights, and the lived experiences of refugees and communities alike. Whether you are a participant, educator, or community leader, this program offers a framework for fostering understanding, trust, and a shared sense of belonging.
As we embark on this journey together, let us hold firm to the values that unite us and the vision of a world where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is a reality for all.

FOSTERING INCLUSION AND EMPOWERMENT: GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND VALUES FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES

The principles and values guiding cultural and social inclusion for Ukrainian refugees emphasize dignity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to building cohesive communities. These principles form the foundation for policies, programs, and practices that aim to ensure refugees feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to integrate into their new environments while preserving their cultural identities.
By integrating these principles and values into policies, education, and community programs, host societies can create inclusive environments where Ukrainian refugees and local residents coexist harmoniously and thrive together.

10 CORE PRINCIPLES

Human dignity and rights

• Treat refugees with respect and recognize their inherent dignity, regardless of their

background or circumstances.

• Ensure access to basic rights, including education, healthcare, housing, and employment.

Cultural awareness and preservation

• Acknowledge and celebrate Ukrainian cultural heritage, fostering a sense of identity and pride.
• Create spaces for cultural exchange where refugees can share their traditions and learn about the host culture.

Equality and non-discrimination

• Promote equal opportunities and access to resources for refugees.
• Actively combat prejudice, stereotypes, and xenophobia through education and awareness campaigns.

Empathy and compassion

• Understand and respond to the emotional and psychological challenges refugees face.
• Build supportive networks and foster kindness and solidarity in host communities.

Community engagement

• Encourage active participation of refugees in community activities and decision-making processes.
• Empower refugees to contribute their skills and talents to the host society.

Intercultural dialogue

• Facilitate open communication between refugees and host communities to build trust and understanding.
• Recognize commonalities while respecting and valuing differences.

Inclusion and integration

• Foster a sense of belonging by removing barriers to social and economic participation.
• Ensure integration efforts respect refugees' cultural identities while encouraging their adaptation to new environments.

Trauma-informed support

• Address the psychological impact of displacement with sensitivity and care.
• Offer programs that prioritize mental health and emotional resilience.

Empowerment and self-sufficiency

• Provide tools and resources that enable refugees to rebuild their lives, gain independence, and contribute to their new communities.
• Support education, skill-building, and language acquisition as pathways to empowerment.

Collaboration and solidarity

• Promote partnerships between governments, NGOs, local communities, and refugees to create holistic support systems.
• Foster a collective responsibility for inclusion and mutual growth.

5 KEY VALUES

• Respect

Honor the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and contributions of Ukrainian refugees.

• Diversity

Embrace multiculturalism as an asset to society.

• Solidarity

Stand together in support of those seeking refuge and ensure no one is left behind.

• Resilience

Recognize and support the strength of refugees as they navigate complex challenges.

• Hope

Cultivate optimism for a brighter future through collective action and understanding.

THEME 3

SOCIAL INCLUSION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

MODULE 3

The best practices presented in this module are rooted in the natural and cultural heritage of the Beskydy Mountains, drawing inspiration from the life, traditions, and customs of the Carpathian highlanders, and are meaningfully interconnected with modern digital tools. The project beneficiary, Infinity-Centrum, Language Centre, develops specific methodologies and curricula that combine language learning, intercultural dialogue, and digital competencies. In parallel, the partnering organization URSUS Environmental and STEAM Centre delivers tailor-made educational programs focused on ecology, environmental sustainability, and biodiversity, covering key themes such as climate change mitigation, ecosystem protection, water retention, and wildlife gardens. These programs are designed to be inclusive and accessible, engaging participants from diverse social and economic backgrounds, including youth from rural areas, people with disabilities, migrants, ethnic minorities, and other marginalized groups, with the aim of fostering equal opportunities, participation, and community integration.

MODULE 4

ICEBREAKER ACTIVITIES

WHAT ARE ICEBREAKER ACTIVITIES?

Icebreaker is a term used for activities or games that aim to "break the ice" between people who do not know each other or do not normally communicate with each other. These activities are designed to loosen the atmosphere, reduce nervousness and encourage participants to communicate and cooperate with each other. Icebreakers help create a more comfortable environment where people feel more comfortable and open to interaction.
The metaphor of "icebreakers" is based on the idea that there is often some kind of psychological barrier or "ice" between people that prevents them from communicating freely and naturally. Icebreaker activities are designed to break this "ice" and allow for relaxed conversation, getting to know each other and building relationships.
Icebreakers are used in a variety of situations, for example:

— In new work teams to improve collaboration and mutual trust.

— In learning environments to encourage students to feel more engaged.

— In workshops, training sessions and conferences where people from different professional backgrounds come together.

— At team building events where the activities aim to improve team dynamics and interpersonal relationships.

— In communities with refugees or migrants, to facilitate their integration and promote communication with new people.

BREAKING BARRIERS OR ICEBREAKER ACTIVITIES FOR EASIER ADAPTATION OF REFUGEES

Icebreaker activities targeting refugees are designed to facilitate the process of integration, communication and adaptation in new environments, by new communities. Refugees often face extremely challenging experiences, including leaving their homes, culture shock, isolation and sometimes language barriers. These activities help to alleviate feelings of insecurity and fear by creating a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can begin to feel part of a new community.
Icebreakers in this context are not just about breaking the ice, but also about providing a space where people can express themselves, make new relationships and communicate naturally, regardless of cultural differences or language restrictions. They are designed to foster a sense of belonging, to allow participants to share their stories and to help them better understand not only each other, but also the new society in which they find themselves.
This type of activity is often important in settings where refugees work with local communities, social workers or volunteers. Icebreakers help build bridges between different cultures and help refugees feel welcome and accepted. They also provide a safe space where refugees can share their feelings, experiences and ideas about the future, which is crucial for their personal development and successful integration.

10 KEY GOALS OF ICEBREAKER ACTIVITIES
The aim of icebreaker activities for refugees is to support their integration, facilitate their adaptation in a new society and create a space for mutual support and understanding. These activities focus on several key areas:

— Promoting mutual communication
Create an environment where participants can feel safe sharing their experiences and stories. Icebreakers help to overcome language barriers and provide a space for informal communication where non-verbal methods such as gestures, pictures or facial expressions can be used.

— Building trust and belonging
Refugees often face isolation, feelings of loneliness and loss of ties to their original community. Icebreakers can help establish new relationships where individuals feel accepted and where they can share their experiences in an atmosphere of trust. This fosters the creation of a new community in which participants feel they are full members.

— Mitigating culture shock
Icebreaker activities allow natural contact with the local culture and people, which helps refugees to better understand their new environment. Activities can include elements that reflect cultural diversity and respect for differences, which facilitates adaptation and reduces feelings of alienation.

— Support for self-expression
Refugees often need a space where they can freely express their thoughts, feelings and experiences. Icebreaker activities can give them the opportunity to share their story in a safe and supportive environment, which can have a therapeutic effect and help them cope with past traumatic experiences.

— Strengthening self-esteem and active participation
Through these activities, refugees can gain a sense that their voice has weight and that their experiences and skills are important. Involvement in icebreakers encourages their active participation and can motivate them to further integrate into society, whether in schools, workplaces or communities.

— Building bridges between cultures
Icebreakers are a tool for creating cultural dialogue and understanding. They allow participants to discover the similarities and differences between their own culture and that of their new environment. In this way, they help to break down prejudices, overcome misunderstandings and strengthen mutual empathy.


— Promoting teamwork
Icebreaker activities can be aimed at improving cooperation between participants, which is crucial when integrating refugees into new communities and work teams. Working together to solve tasks in these activities strengthens team spirit, teaches participants to communicate effectively and overcome challenges together, which has a positive impact on their future cooperation in society or the workplace.

— Development of intercultural skills
These activities can serve as a tool to develop skills that help participants better navigate intercultural situations. Icebreakers offer an opportunity to encounter different ways of thinking, values and ways of acting, which can increase understanding and respect between refugees and their host community.

— Relieving stress and anxiety
Refugees often experience high levels of stress due to insecurity and difficult past experiences. Icebreaker activities can serve as a relaxing moment where participants have the opportunity to have fun and take a break from more serious issues. The purpose of these activities is also to reduce the stress associated with adapting to a new environment and allow people to feel safe and at ease.

— Promoting language skills
Icebreakers can be designed to help improve the language skills of participants, especially if the groups are refugee and local populations. The fun and informal environment of the activity encourages engagement in conversation, allowing refugees to improve their language skills and overcome communication barriers without feeling pressured or ashamed.

ACTIVITY 1

PAVUCHINA

ACTIVITY 2

TRUE OR FALSE?

ACTIVITY 3

WHAT CAN YOU SEE?

ACTIVITY 4

IMAGINARY FEATHER

ACTIVITY 5

SALT AND PEPPER

ACTIVITY 6

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ME?

ACTIVITY 7

MYTHS AND FACTS

ACTIVITY 8

NATURE WALK