University of Warsaw for Ukraine

In response to the humanitarian crisis caused by Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, the University of Warsaw has established a unique Programme that combines direct support with in-depth research on integration processes. "University of Warsaw for Ukraine" is not only an aid initiative but also a living social laboratory – a research project where solidarity meets science.

The Programme has been designed as a comprehensive intervention in which every form of support – from language courses, through vocational and psychological training, to integration activities – simultaneously serves as a field for observation and analysis. This approach ensures that the provided aid is continuously optimized based on empirical data, and the accumulated experiences will create unique knowledge about effective support mechanisms for people affected by the migration crisis.

The Programme will implement a variety of activities: intensive Polish and other language courses, workshops on soft skills and digital skills development, specialized vocational training, individual mentoring for highly qualified personnel, as well as psychological support and integration activities for adults, youth, and children. Each of these activities will be documented and analysed, which will not only provide effective help here and now but also build foundations for future, more effective integration policies.

We believe that true solidarity requires both heart and mind. Therefore, this Programme is our dual commitment: to support those who need help today, and to learn how to better support all those who might need help tomorrow.

As a result of networking the coordinators of pro-Ukrainian initiatives at the University of Warsaw since February 2022, the planned support has achieved an interdisciplinary character. Consequently, the Programme, coordinated and supervised by the Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw, will encompass as many as 27 different activities implemented by hundreds of employees from 31 different UW units.

It is assumed that the Programme will support at least 3,000 Ukrainian citizens (update: the Programme ultimately supported nearly 12,000 people). The project's budget will amount to nearly PLN 12 million (update: final budget approx. PLN 24 million).

Target group: the non-academic community consisting of Ukrainian citizens who crossed into Polish territory on or after February 24, 2022; these are persons who are not standard recipients of higher education.

The main objectives of the proposed activities are:

  • Supporting people from Ukraine in seeking an individual career path, in accordance with their preferences and skills.
  • Supporting people from Ukraine in learning the Polish language through practice.
  • Supporting people from Ukraine in building the economic independence of Ukrainian families.
  • The sustainable social and economic development of Polish residents (including the largest minority in Poland); social development and prosperity.
  • The environmental integration of Ukrainians with the local or industry community.•    Preventing the exclusion of youth and entire families, preventing marginalization and crime.

The following activities are planned under the Programme:

  • Polish as a foreign language courses,
  • English language courses,
  • Other language courses (Portuguese, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese),
  • Career planning and vocational activation workshops,
  • Multigenerational adaptive urban walks in Warsaw,
  • Psychological workshops and support,
  • Entrepreneurship workshops,
  • "How to learn effectively" workshops,
  • Adaptation meetings for children and youth,
  • Experimental nature workshops,
  • Computer courses,
  • Webinars supporting caregivers, educators, and trainers involved in helping children from Ukraine,
  • Legal support for migrants (workshops + consultations),
  • Intensive preparatory course for taking up studies or work in Polish,
  • Adaptation of skills for highly qualified migrants,
  • Open lectures combined with workshops.

The "University of Warsaw for Ukraine" Programme constitutes more than an immediate response to a crisis – it is a strategic project where action meets reflection, and humanitarian aid becomes a source of unique scientific knowledge. By combining real support with systematic research, the Programme will not only accompany participants in integration but will also document and analyse this complex process. The collected data, testimonies, and conclusions will create an invaluable archive of experiences that will strengthen not only current actions but will also form the basis for future, more effective integration and social policies in Poland and Europe.

Programme Value: PLN 23,936,720

Programme Implementation Period: from 15.10.2022 to 31.12.2023

Programme Manager: Dr. Agnieszka Różycka

Programme Website: https://ua.wne.uw.edu.pl/