SPEAK For Ukraine: Impact and Learning’ event highlights successful integration of Ukrainian refugees in Portugal
On 30 January, the Ageas Foundation hosted the event ‘SPEAK For Ukraine: Impact and Learnings’, which brought together partners and participants to discuss the impact of the initiative and share best practices in collaborating on emergency responses. During the meeting, Ukrainian refugees shared their experiences, complemented by presentations, videos and testimonies that showed how language learning and community support were fundamental to their integration in Portugal.
Launched on 12 March, just 16 days after the start of the conflict in Ukraine, SPEAK For Ukraine aims to empower refugees through language learning and promote their integration into host communities. Since then, more than 2,000 refugees in around 20 European countries have taken part in the initiative, receiving concrete and local support.
The SPEAK platform, developed in collaboration with the European Commission Representation in Portugal and with the support of the Ageas Foundation and Galp, connects volunteers and organisations with Ukrainian refugees in need of language support. This partnership illustrates the importance of working together to overcome language barriers and create informal support networks that facilitate the process of refugee integration. The platform continues to be an essential tool for organisations working on local integration, promoting learning and group facilitation.