On May 22, 2025, seven partner organisations from Spain, Italy, Poland and Belgium gathered in Brussels for the official launch of VOICE – Vocational Opportunities and Integration for Refugee Community Empowerment, a new initiative co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) under the Social Innovation+ Initiative. Hosted by IHF (Institut de Haute Formation), the meeting marked the first major step in an 18-month transnational effort to support Ukrainian refugees across the EU through inclusive, scalable training pathways focused on employability, entrepreneurship, digital resilience, and social innovation.
A shared commitment to inclusion
In response to the ongoing humanitarian and social consequences of the war in Ukraine, VOICE brings together a consortium of NGOs, universities, training institutions, and innovation hubs with expertise in education, digital innovation, community development, and labour market integration.
During the Brussels meeting, partners exchanged perspectives on the urgent need for accessible and targeted training, discussed their roles in the upcoming work packages, and reaffirmed their commitment to empowerment through education. The meeting reinforced a shared vision of supporting refugees’ integration while building long-term resilience within host communities.
What we’re working on
The day-long meeting in Brussels offered space not just for planning, but for meaningful exchange. Partners delved into the core of what VOICE will deliver over the next 18 months: a shared methodology for identifying training needs and mapping social innovation initiatives across Spain, Italy, and Poland; the adaptation of proven e-learning materials focused on employability, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy; and the preparation of blended pilot trainings that will bring together Ukrainian refugees and local citizens. These efforts will be supported by a multilingual Open Educational Resources (OER) platform, accessible at www.voice-inclusion.eu, ensuring project outcomes are not only impactful but also sustainable and scalable across Europe.
There was a clear sense of shared purpose in the room, to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of people facing uncertainty and displacement. By providing access to relevant training, digital and entrepreneurial skills, and recognised certification, VOICE aims to strengthen refugees’ well-being and economic independence. At the same time, it supports host communities by promoting social cohesion, mutual understanding, and collaborative growth.
For further information about the VOICE project or to join our stakeholder network, please contact the project coordinator at:
Email: info@internetwebsolutions.es
Website: www.voice-inclusion.eu
Let’s build inclusive futures – together.
– The VOICE Consortium
Follow VOICE on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/voiceinclusion
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/voice-inclusion
YouTube: youtube.com/@Voice_esf_project
