CARE EUkraine and Care UDRC, initiated in October 2022 respectively March 2023, have been a significant projects aimed at creating opportunities for Ukrainian refugees who recently arrived in Sweden. At the same time, the project has successfully contributed to the crucial goal of strenghtening the Swedish labour market. Operated with the support of funds from the European Social Fund (ESF), CARE EUkraine and Care UDRC has demonstrated remarkable achievements in just about a years time.
The project’s main objectives have been to assist find their footing in the Swedish labor market and society. The participants were introduced to various aspects of career development, including CV and personal letter enhancements, mentorships programs as well as optimizing their LinkedIn profiles to align with the Swedish job market.
Through Care Eukraine we have been able to offer a meeting-point for Ukrainians where the participants have been able to develop new contacts. Based on the need for inclusivity we later on developed the project Care UDRC in March 2023, a digitalized version of the project with the aim of opening up participation for Ukrainians living further away from Gothenburg.
Ukrainians helping Ukranians through mentorship
A crucial part of the two projects has been our mentorship program where the participants have played important roles as mentors and mentees to each other. Great results have been achieved through this practice where the participants have been able to share their expertise and perspectives with each other.
Two key orientations
Two key orientations were offered to the participants: a ”green” job at Sätt färg på Göteborg and IT training. Both orientations were meticulously designed to align with the global goals for sustainable development outlined in the UN Agenda 2030.
Green Jobs: Pioneering Sustainable Initiatives
Two of the focal points of the project was providing Ukrainians with jobs, and their involvement of developing our global roof-database. Participants involved in this initiative undertook digital searches using Google Earth to identify the best locations for constructing white, green, and blue roofs. This empowered the participants with new IT-skills and experience within the field of ”green jobs”, and their input has also been an important contribution to our work towards a more sustainable future.
IT Education: Nurturing Digital Skills
The other option that was available to participants was IT education, which offered a range of courses in coding, web design, and IT security. This component of the project was designed to equip the participants with relevant and in-demand digital skills, providing them with a pathway to promising careers in the technology sector.
Testimonials from Participants
The success of CARE EUkraine can be best illustrated through the firsthand experiences of the participants.
Lidiia Shylakina expresses her gratitude, stating, ”The project helped me improve my professional skills, to develop my career plan, improve my Swedish language, and generally integrate better into Swedish society. I look forward to more such useful projects to support Ukrainians in the future. Thanks!”
Oleksandr Popov reflects on how the project broadened his perspectives, saying, ”The project opened up prospects for me to get a job in a new and interesting direction upon completion of the training course.”
Anastasiia Puzikova emphasizes the project’s multifaceted benefits, sharing, ”I have had great experience with this project. It helped me a lot to participate in the search for new acquaintances, and I am also very glad to have had such work experience in Europe.”
Lastly, Liliia Chornooka applauds the project’s positive impact on her confidence and employment prospects: ”The project was interesting and gave me confidence in finding a job. The project also helped to find many interesting people and employers. Keep it up!.”
In conclusion, CARE EUkraine and UDRC stand as remarkable examples of projects that not only addressed the pressing issues of refugee integration and climate change, but also highlight the potential for impactful initiatives that create a better future for individuals and the environment simultaneously. The testimonials from the participants underscore the positive influence of the project on their lives, highlighting the need for continued efforts in this direction.