As of October 10, 2024, Poland has registered a total of 981,335 Ukrainian refugees. Under the temporary protection directive, Poland has granted Ukrainian refugees the right to: remain in the country for 18 months, access the labor market and the publicly funded healthcare system, attend Polish schools and universities, and receive social benefits and assistance on par with Polish citizens. With full access to the labor market (without the need for a work permit) and the healthcare system. Children have access to schools in the same way as Polish citizens. In addition, organizations and individuals assisting refugees from Ukraine with food and accommodation can receive financial assistance for 60 days at 1,200PLN/month (about 250 euros). However, the temporary protection mechanism implemented by Poland was modified on May 15, 2024, putting refugee protection mechanisms at risk. This could result in the premature return of refugees to Ukraine, increased risks during autumn and winter, or the need to accept overcrowded and inadequate housing conditions. Thus, an imminent threat of becoming homeless.
In response, CADIS has organized two temporary shelters for 75 Ukrainian refugees in the Ursus and Łomianki districts, as well as assistance for newcomers at the public transport station. With the amendment of the 2024 law on assistance to Ukrainian refugees, greater gaps and challenges are perceived that require a coordinated response between the State and civil groups. After nearly three years in which Ukrainian refugees have been hosted in Poland, new challenges are emerging for both hosts and visitors.
Funded by the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, the project “Strengthening and Improving the Resilience of Ukrainian Refugees in Poland for Social Integration and Economic Resilience”, launched at the beginning of 2025 for a duration of one year, is the fourth phase of CADIS's post-war resilience building program. Its main objective is to strengthen and improve the capacities of refugees who have been in Poland for three years by the end of 2025. The main concerns of refugees are job opportunities, safe housing, health services, and education. If these needs are met, Ukrainian refugees will be socially integrated and economically resilient in Poland. Therefore, this project will address the minimum conditions for their full integration into the host country.
General objective: Ukrainian refugees are socially integrated and economically self-sufficient in Poland.
Outcome 1. Facilitate refugees' access to the labor market to obtain safe and decent jobs and offer vocational or skills development training for self-employment/alternative livelihoods. The programs under Outcome 1 have helped facilitate our beneficiaries' access to the labor market with the following results: increased self-confidence, increased motivation to seek work, improved knowledge on starting a business, resource management and family budgeting, improved sense of responsibility and belonging.
Output 1.1 - Intensive Polish language lessons (4 hours per week)
Output 1.2 - Career counseling and job placement orientation
Output 1.3 - Skills development, training in microenterprise workshops and other self-managed commercial enterprises
Output 1.4 - Financial literacy and management assistance
Output 1.5 - Renovation of the Harna coworking space
Outcome 2. Facilitate refugees' access to basic services to enjoy comprehensive well-being (physical, mental, and spiritual).
Output 2.1 - Provision of food and non-food items to 30 beneficiaries
Output 2.2 - Utility support in Łomianki
Output 2.3 - Staff support in Łomianki
Outcome 3. Facilitate socio-cultural learning and integration of refugees into host communities
Output 3.1 - Equalization of educational opportunities and local trips for Ukrainian children and integration with local peers
Number of direct beneficiaries: Total (estimated): 250
Females: 200, males: 50.
