The National Youth Foundation (FNT) announces the official launch of the project “Pathways to Belonging” (EU – UKR – PB), an european initiative dedicated to supporting young Ukrainian refugees through volunteering, non-formal education, and community engagement activities. Implemented under the European Solidarity Corps framework, the project represents a strategic step forward in FNT’s mission to promote solidarity, inclusion, and active youth participation across Europe.
“Pathways to Belonging” is coordinated by FNT and brings together a strong European partnership composed of organizations from France (COLLECTIF POUR UN SERVICE CIVIQUE EUROPEEN), Poland (STOWARZYSZENIE PROJEKTOW MIEDZYNARODOWYCH LOGOS POLSKA), and Ukraine (KHARKIV NON-GOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATION FOR ACTIVE YOUTH STELLA). Together, we have committed to creating a sustainable and structured support framework for young people affected by the war in Ukraine, offering them meaningful opportunities for integration, personal development, and civic participation. With a duration of 24 months, the project aims to strengthen community resilience while fostering intercultural dialogue and cooperation at both local and European levels.
A key milestone in the beginning of this initiative was the organization of the official kick-off meeting, held in Bucharest. This meeting marked the operational start of the collaboration among partners and provided the space to define strategic directions, clarify responsibilities, and establish a shared roadmap for implementation. During the discussions, the partners aligned on the project’s objectives, activities, timelines, management structure, and impact indicators, ensuring a coordinated and efficient approach for the coming two years.
The kick-off meeting was characterized by enthusiasm, professionalism, and a strong sense of shared responsibility. Each partner contributed expertise and experience, helping to shape a coherent implementation strategy tailored to the real needs of young refugees. The discussions highlighted the importance of transnational cooperation, exchange of best practices, and youth-led action in addressing complex social challenges. Beyond planning and coordination, the meeting reinforced the common vision that solidarity must translate into concrete, measurable actions that create lasting impact.
Another important milestone was the official start of the first team of volunteers. We are delighted to announce that the first group of young volunteers has already begun their activities within the project. Their involvement represents the transition from planning to action and embodies the core values of the European Solidarity Corps: empathy, commitment, and active engagement.
Through their work, volunteers will support language learning sessions, cultural integration activities, mentoring initiatives, and community-based events. By using non-formal education methods and intercultural learning approaches, the project seeks to create safe spaces for dialogue, mutual understanding, and empowerment. These activities aim to reduce social isolation, strengthen skills development, and increase young refugees’ access to educational and professional opportunities. At the same time, the volunteering experience provides participating young people with valuable personal and professional competencies, reinforcing their role as active contributors to positive social change.
The project intends to directly support over 600 young Ukrainian refugees through structured learning, mentoring, and civic engagement activities, while also reaching a broader audience through awareness campaigns, dissemination efforts, and public outreach initiatives. By mobilizing both local and international volunteers, “Pathways to Belonging” contributes to strengthening social cohesion and promoting European values of solidarity, dignity, equality, and mutual respect.
Through this initiative, the National Youth Foundation reaffirms its long-term commitment to supporting vulnerable young people and building durable European partnerships. The official launch of the project and the activation of the first volunteer team mark the beginning of an ambitious journey grounded in cooperation, trust, and the belief in young people’s capacity to rebuild their futures and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
“Pathways to Belonging” (EU-UKR-PB), project number 101239630, is funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps, under the Key Action “Volunteering Teams in High Priority Areas” (ESC-SOLID-2025-VTHPA). The 24-month project is coordinated by the National Foundation for Youth (Romania), in partnership with Collectif pour un Service Civique Européen (France) and Stowarzyszenie Projektów Międzynarodowych LOGOS Polska (Poland). It aims to support the social inclusion, civic participation and personal and professional development of young Ukrainian refugees, drawing on a safe-spaces methodology delivered through the network of youth centres coordinated by the National Foundation for Youth.