On May 23, 2024, ECEPAA had the pleasure of hosting a local workshop at Le Val-Fayt in Fayt-Les-Manage. This event, conducted in both English and French, focused on fostering refugee inclusion through the Whole School Approach (WSA). The workshop aimed to equip educators, administrators, and community members with the skills needed to formulate more effective integration strategies, especially for individuals from Ukraine.
The evening began with a warm welcome as participants arrived and registered. This was followed by a brief introduction session where everyone introduced themselves, creating a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere right from the start.
We then moved on to a pre-workshop evaluation to gauge the participants’ existing knowledge and expectations. This initial assessment was crucial in helping us understand the starting point of our attendees.
The heart of the workshop kicked off with an introduction to the FEEL project. Our project coordinator provided an overview of the main goals and shared the remarkable achievements of the project so far. This was an enlightening session that set the stage for the rest of the evening.
To keep things interactive, we hosted a Kahoot quiz on migration and the specific challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees. This engaging activity not only informed but also entertained, making the learning process enjoyable.
We presented then the key findings and best practices documented in the FEEL project publication. This session was packed with information that is vital for anyone involved in refugee education and integration.
Next, we introduced the newly developed FEEL toolkit. This comprehensive resource offers practical strategies and tools designed to support the integration of refugees into school environments. Participants were particularly interested in how these tools could be implemented in their own contexts.
We then opened the floor for a Q&A session. This was an opportunity for participants to delve deeper into the topics discussed and clarify any doubts. The questions raised demonstrated a keen interest and commitment to improving refugee integration practices.
To wrap up the workshop, we conducted a post-workshop evaluation. This follow-up assessment helped us measure the impact of the workshop on participants’ knowledge and skills.
The evening concluded with a networking and dissemination event. This was a chance for participants to share their experiences, build connections, and discuss potential collaborations for the future.
The workshop was a significant step forward in promoting the inclusion of refugees in educational settings. It provided valuable insights and practical tools to educators and community members, reinforcing ECEPAA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all.
We are excited to continue our work in supporting refugee integration and look forward to more such enriching sessions. Stay tuned for more updates on our projects and upcoming events!