Representatives of all four universities involved in the project participated in a kick-off meeting at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland, from September 24 to 26, 2024. During the event, the partners emphasized the project’s relevance and agreed upon the main ideas, objectives, and expected results. Discussions focused on key aspects of project management, including the overall structure, management team formation, administrative procedures, and financial management. The main topic of discussion was the unique challenges faced by schools in Ukraine in the context of the ongoing conflict. Addressing gaps in the education and social support systems for children in war-affected regions was emphasised. To effectively address these issues, it was proposed that national reference groups in Ukraine, Poland, and Sweden be established to coordinate the project’s activities in response to local needs. The consortium identified criteria for conducting a needs analysis, focusing on collecting data from parents and professionals in the three countries. This will create a solid basis for further project development and ensure that activities meet the needs of vulnerable children, their families, and professionals supporting these people.
The project participants also discussed implementing the dissemination plan. The partners focused on developing a website and communicating with stakeholders, communities, and the media. They also discussed developing courses for professionals and organising a final conference. Moreover, the participants visited a primary school in Lublin to familiarize themselves with the local education system. Reflections on this visit emphasized the importance of international learning in meeting the needs of vulnerable children. This meeting was an essential milestone in creating a partnership to improve the quality of education and well-being of vulnerable children in Ukraine, Poland, and Sweden.
