The "Welcome!" project's objectives were designed to create a proactive, integrated system of support for children with migrant backgrounds. Our overarching goal was to launch the "Welcome!" platform as a centralized, multifaceted online tool—a comprehensive and freely accessible resource to equip children with the foundational tools and confidence needed for their new educational environments. A core objective was to facilitate smooth linguistic and cultural integration. We aimed to achieve this by providing engaging, age-appropriate language courses (in Polish, Czech, and Bulgarian) that focused on practical, school-related vocabulary, complemented by fun cultural materials to demystify local customs and social norms. Simultaneously, we sought to empower and support educators. We developed a multimedia guide for teachers offering practical, accessible strategies to effectively manage diverse classrooms, assess student progress, and leverage cultural diversity as a classroom asset. Critically, we aimed to nurture the well-being and value the heritage of every child. Through activities like digital storytelling and tandem learning, we created a system that encouraged children to share their culture and feel a sense of belonging
The 'Welcome!' project was conceived in response to the pressing challenge of integrating migrant and refugee children into European education systems, a situation amplified by the conflict in Ukraine. Our schools struggled to meet the diverse linguistic, cultural, and psychological needs of these new students. Our research confirmed critical gaps, so we applied for this project to create a comprehensive and sustainable transnational support structure. The primary needs we addressed were: - the lack of accessible, engaging language resources for children (10-14); - the social and cultural barriers leading to isolation; - insufficient support and methodologies for teachers in multicultural classrooms; - the need to empower children by valuing their own heritage and language; - and the critical importance of addressing their, and the teachers working with them, psychological well-being. Our fundamental goal was to create a holistic, innovative, and freely accessible online platform to welcome these children and empower them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in their new homes.