IncludeME: Fostering Integration and Empowerment for Young Refugees and Migrants

The IncludeME project aims to promote the integration of young refugees and migrants with limited schooling in host countries, ensuring their social, cultural and economic inclusion. 
At the same time, it aims to provide youth workers with the necessary skills and resources to effectively support these individuals on their path to educational inclusion and social integration. 
Co-ordinated by the Estonian partner, it has Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Slovenia as partners.
The project comprises five work packages: project management, an educational package for youth workers, digital tools and pilot tests, an educational and career guide, and dissemination and exploitation activities. 
Through these efforts, the project envisages concrete results such as the development of a competency framework for youth workers, an adapted training course, 20 learning pills in video format, educational resources including a career guide and a resilience manual, along with the organisation of international and multiplier events and the creation of digital platforms. These results are designed not only to facilitate immediate integration, but also to promote inclusion and social cohesion in the long term. 
The kick-off meeting took place on 16 January 2024 in the city of Ragusa, Italy. 
The main aim of this meeting was to provide an opportunity for all the partners to get to know each other and discuss the project’s objectives, activities and results over the coming months. During the meeting, a wide range of topics were covered, including the sustainability of the project, dissemination strategies, the mandate of each partner and working methodologies. This event was a fundamental starting point for establishing a solid basis for collaboration and alignment between all those involved in the IncludeME project.