Collaborative Integration of Ukrainian Refugees into the Prešov Labour Market
About this good practice
The Greek Catholic Charity in Prešov plays a crucial role in aiding Ukrainian refugees, operating support centers in Prešov and Bardejov to facilitate their integration into the region. Collaborating closely with the Prešov District Labour Office, their efforts focus on streamlining the registration process for refugees, easing their entry into the labor market, and providing retraining opportunities.
Direct engagement by the charity includes assisting refugees in CV preparation and guiding them through job center processes. The Labour Office leverages its legal mandate to offer job opportunities and administer support programs. Together, they organize regular meetings where refugees are informed about job openings, Slovak language courses, and retraining initiatives.
This collaboration has proven effective, benefiting 200 Ukrainian refugees, with more than 120 successfully securing employment. For those facing challenges in finding work, the Labour Office ensures they receive unemployment benefits and necessary social assistance. The ongoing partnership ensures a responsive approach to refugees' evolving needs, with the Labour Office director actively communicating job opportunities to support their long-term resilience and integration.
Overall, this comprehensive approach addresses immediate needs, also empowers refugees for sustained integration into Slovak society. These efforts contribute to the refugees' overall welfare and successful adaptation to the new environment.
Resources needed
For the implementation of these activities the Greek Catholic Charity and the District Labour Office Prešov use its own financial resources.
The resources needed relate mainly to the financing of human resources (5x staff) and operational costs of the support centres for Ukrainian refugees.
Evidence of success
This practice is considered effective due to its tangible results: assistance to 200 Ukrainian refugees, with over 120 securing jobs. The partnership between the Greek Catholic Charity and the Prešov Labour Office ensures efficient resource use, tailored support, and comprehensive aid, including unemployment benefits and financial support for those unable to find jobs. These efforts significantly enhance the refugees' stability and well-being in the Prešov community.
Potential for learning or transfer
The practice of providing immediate assistance and support to Ukrainian refugees offers considerable potential for learning and transfer to other regions facing similar humanitarian crises. Valuable lessons can be drawn from the multifaceted approach of this practice, which are adaptable to different contexts. Fostering strong partnerships with national and local governments is essential to ensure effective coordination and resource sharing. Cooperation aimed at assisting in labor market integration leads to more targeted and effective assistance for Ukrainian refugees and, at the same time, to improved integration into Slovak society.
The strategic partnership between the Greek Catholic Charity and the Prešov Labour Office maximizes resource efficiency and comprehensive support-Assistance encompasses job placement, retraining, and social benefits. Addressing individual needs ensures more successful integration.
Adapting the model to different regions' specific needs and capacities.
Further information
Good practice owner
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