Preparing refugees and asylum seekers for European civic and democratic values, environmental protection and the use of digital tools through visual language and gamification.

EU-PREPARE is a European educational project that supports refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in integrating into new communities. It empowers people for a successful transition to life in the European Union through innovative curricula and online tools. In 2025, the project won 1st place in the European Language Label competition and received a special award for innovative teaching methods from the European Commission.

Empowering refugees and migrants for successful integration

To support families of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers during resettlement in the European Union, the EU-PREPARE partnership launched an initiative focused on safe and legal pathways. The project provides comprehensive assistance before, during and after arrival, helping people connect their skills and cultural heritage with European civic values and priorities.

Project aim

• Develop innovative educational tools for language learning.
• Use comics, animations and educational games to facilitate the adaptation of newcomers.
• Support teachers, facilitators and social workers in implementing new methods.
• Promote intercultural dialogue, inclusion and a smoother resettlement process.

Innovative curricula and online tools

Central to the initiative is the development of innovative bilingual curricula tailored to the linguistic skills of the target groups. The curricula take a practice-based and playful approach, combining language education with the psychological, emotional and cultural preparation needed for integration into host countries.

The learning tools build on skills acquired in people’s previous life experience. They are designed to be adaptable to a new environment and lifestyle, while also supporting the acquisition of new skills. The tools are integrated into an online curriculum that simulates realistic situations through visually engaging and audiovisual resources.

One such resource is a series of cartoons and short animations that represent everyday encounters refugees, migrants and asylum seekers are likely to experience during their first months in EU countries. These visual stories are supplemented by interactive online games that allow users to practise newly acquired knowledge of civic values, environmental protection and digital skills. By engaging with these tools, people become more familiar with the host country’s language and can better manage daily situations such as shopping, travelling, and seeking and sharing information.

Participants also become gradually acquainted with the internet and online tools, helping them join local digital practices. To ensure broad accessibility, printable versions of the curriculum are available for distribution by social workers who support people with accommodation, financial assistance and administrative tasks. These materials transmit essential information about local values, practices and lifestyle adjustments, so that people can begin their stay in European countries on a solid foundation.

Three key priorities

The EU-PREPARE curriculum is structured around three priorities that align with the partnership’s objectives:

• Environmental protection and healthcare. Promoting good practices such as recycling and waste collection, and fostering a positive relationship with nature and animals.
• Civic values and engagement. Encouraging respect for diversity and democratic principles, and nurturing curiosity, knowledge-sharing and civic participation.
• Digital tools in everyday life. Equipping participants with the skills to carry out administrative tasks and strengthening digital literacy.

Partnership

The project is implemented in cooperation with COTA, Erasmus+ France / Éducation Formation, and a number of European organisations. This partnership enables an exchange of experience and the dissemination of best practices in education.

The Ukrainian partner in the project is the Ukrainian Network of Adult Education and Development of Innovation (UNAEDI).

Recognition

• 1st place in the European Language Label 2025.
• Special award for innovative teaching methods from the European Commission.
• Recognised as an example of best practice in language education.

Impact

By providing practical tools, linguistic support and pathways to cultural integration, the EU-PREPARE partnership empowers refugees, migrants and asylum seekers as they navigate the transition to new lives in the European Union. This approach supports a smoother resettlement process, strengthens social cohesion and promotes a sense of belonging, irrespective of background.

Focus areas: refugees and internally displaced persons; accessible multilingual materials; integration; interculturality; civic values; environmental protection; digital literacy.