We are pleased to announce the completion of the Needs Assessment stage for the eDU Hubs and Mobile Centres (EHMC) project.
This critical phase, which involved a detailed survey and analysis, provides the foundational data for our project’s next steps. The findings will directly inform the development of our eDU Hubs and Mobile Centres to ensure our support is effective, relevant, and impactful.
About the Needs Assessment
Between June and July 2025, our consortium partners (YMCA Romania, YMCA Slovakia, YMCA Germany, and YMCA Europe) conducted a comprehensive survey targeting Ukrainian refugees residing in these three European countries. We received 220 responses from multiple locations, providing a rich dataset for analysis.
The purpose of this assessment was to gather first-hand information to inform the project’s Theory of Change and subsequent Roll-Out Plan. The survey was anonymous and covered a wide range of topics, including:
- General information (age, gender, location, living conditions)
- Integration and adaptation challenges
- Education and employment status
- Psycho-emotional state and support needs
- Access to medical services
- Children’s education and adaptation
Key Findings on a Project Level
The Needs Assessment highlights several key areas where support is most needed. Our findings confirm that while many Ukrainians have found safety, they continue to face significant barriers to long-term integration.
1. Integration and Adaptation Challenges
The assessment revealed a common set of challenges across all three countries. The language barrier was overwhelmingly cited as the top difficulty, impacting nearly all aspects of life, from finding work to accessing services. This was followed by issues related to employment status and financial means, and the challenge of finding stable housing.
- The Stages of Adaptation: Respondents described a multi-step adaptation process, starting with shock and confusion, moving through finding basic support, and eventually progressing toward professional and social integration.
- Support Drivers: The most significant drivers of successful adaptation were community support (friends, family, and new acquaintances) and the invaluable help of NGOs and support centers.
2. Employment and Education
The report found a significant mismatch between Ukrainians’ professional qualifications and their current employment status in host countries. While a large majority of respondents had advanced levels of education (with 40.5% holding a master’s degree), many are either unemployed or working in jobs below their skill level. In Germany, a notable 55% of those surveyed reported being unemployed.
- Main Challenges: The primary challenges in finding employment were the language barrier, employers preferring candidates with local experience, and the non-recognition of diplomas.
- Professional Goals: The top professional objective for respondents is to learn the local language to improve their employment prospects. There is also a strong interest in vocational training and mentorship for job searching.
3. Psycho-Emotional State
The assessment sheds light on the significant psycho-emotional toll of displacement. While many respondents are looking for ways to integrate, a substantial number reported negative emotional experiences. Over a third of individuals experienced stress or anxiety they could not manage alone, and over half felt they or a family member needed psychological support.
- Need for Support: The findings show a strong interest in social and emotional support, particularly social events(language clubs, themed meetups) and individual sessions with a psychologist.
- Access to Services: The report indicates that while many Ukrainians know where to find free medical care, far fewer know where to access free psychological support, highlighting a critical gap in information and service provision.
Moving Forward
These findings are crucial to the EHMC project’s purpose. They confirm that a holistic, integrated approach is essential for effective support. Our project will use this data to design and implement a model that combines language training, employment assistance, childcare, and psychosocial support into a single, cohesive ecosystem through our eDU Hubs and Mobile Centres.
The next phase of the project, outlined in our Theory of Change and Pilot Roll-Out Plan, will focus on putting these insights into practice. We are committed to building a model that is not only effective but also scalable and sustainable for communities across Europe.
Read the full report here.
“Edu Hubs and Mobile Centres” project is supporting the integration of Ukrainian refugees and host communities. Co-funded by the EU (ESF+ Social Innovation+ Initiative) and Accenture.
