The Resilience Innovation Facility (RIF) by Terre des hommes (Tdh) is making waves with its impactful initiatives, and the latest addition to its roster is the Building Bridges project. Launched in Hungary and Romania in November 2023 and supported by the Swiss contribution, this project is a beacon of hope for children and young people under 25 years old who are refugees from Ukraine, along with their families. Additionally, the project extends its focus to encompass local disadvantaged youth within its target demographic.
Innovative Skill-Building Sessions:
Operating from Tdh facilities in Győr and Budapest, the RIFs under the Building Bridges project offer dynamic skill-building sessions for school-age young people, leveraging the power of digital technologies. These workshops go beyond conventional learning, introducing children to cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing, laser cutting, and digital embroidery through captivating and large-scale projects. Beyond technical skills, the RIFs also focus on addressing real-life problems, nurturing social skills, resilience, and social awareness among the participants.
Open House Success:
On February 21st, the Building Bridges project organized a lively Open House event in Budapest, extending a warm welcome to employees from various organizations dedicated to supporting refugees and local disadvantaged youth. Participants were not just spectators; they were invited to dive into a hands-on RIF workshop where they crafted personalized items using laser-cut elements. The event celebrated creativity, collaboration, and the spirit of innovation.
Empowering Families through Knowledge:
On February 29th, the Building Bridges project took a step further by organizing a child protection presentation for families of schoolchildren from Ukraine. Ten parents attended, seeking answers to their questions and providing valuable feedback. The presentation covered essential aspects of the Hungarian education system, teachers' duties, reporting obligations, addressing learning difficulties, and empowering parents to combat bullying. An informative document summarizing these discussions will soon be available in Ukrainian and Hungarian, providing a valuable resource for families navigating the Hungarian educational landscape.
The Building Bridges project exemplifies the transformative impact that innovation and education can have on the lives of young refugees, emphasizing the importance of fostering resilience, social skills, and awareness in every child's journey towards a brighter future.