UTOPIA set out to turn inclusion from a policy aim into everyday practice. We wanted youth workers across our four countries to feel equipped—not just inspired—to bring local and displaced Ukrainian young people into the same room, hold difficult conversations safely, and guide them toward fair, constructive action. To do that, we committed to building two complementary tools: a practical Youth Workers’ Guide that translates intercultural theory into ready-to-run activities with clear facilitation and debrief routines, and an interactive branching-scenario game that lets young people rehearse how to recognise discrimination, respond as active bystanders, and find support. Around these tools we planned a quality loop—joint training, multi-country piloting, and evaluation—so methods would transfer across contexts, not live only on paper. Finally, we aimed for durability: multilingual, open-access publication; coordinated dissemination through a website, social channels, and national events; and embedding the resources in partners’ regular programmes under inclusion-by-design and green operating principles, so uptake would continue beyond the grant.
The UTOPIA project was conceived as a structured response to the educational and social integration needs arising from the displacement of Ukrainian young people across Europe. Partners observed, in schools, youth centres and community settings, the rapid formation of mixed groups of local and displaced youth, alongside recurrent challenges: communication barriers, emerging stereotypes, instances of discrimination, and youth workers’ limited access to tested, context-appropriate facilitation methods. The consortium therefore applied to develop a coherent toolkit that would translate policy priorities on inclusion and youth empowerment into day-to-day practice. The needs addressed were fourfold. First, to equip youth workers with practical, adaptable resources for convening safe, trauma-aware intercultural dialogue in mixed groups. Second, to provide young people, local and displaced, with engaging, low-risk opportunities to recognise and respond to discrimination, rehearse bystander action, and build empathy. Third, to ensure accessibility and reach via multilingual, open resources suitable for schools, NGOs and community programmes. Fourth, to embed inclusion-by-design and sustainability in delivery.