Welcoming ukrainian refugees in times of war:

a practice in Leiria/Portugal

Abstract

The present work aims to present a volunteering practice with Ukrainian children and young people, developed by students of the higher professional technical course of community social intervention, at the Higher School of Education and Social Sciences, during the 2nd semester of the 2021/2022 academic year. As a member of the European Union, Portugal activated, for the first time, the European temporary protection directive, to guarantee asylum to all citizens fleeing the war in Ukraine. The government and local authorities took measures to make this reception operational. Leiria City Council responded affirmatively to this call. The central objectives of this project were to provide support to a population in a situation of great social vulnerability due to war and to contribute to the integration of children and young people. The students carried out work at the goods collection center and carried out activities aimed at Ukrainian children, installed in the collective reception structure, operating at the Leiria Municipal Stadium and awaiting their integration into different schools or access to other options. The promotion of leisure and recreational activities is considered relevant, playing a role at several levels: providing moments of socialization and connection with the community, establishing bridges between cultural aspects of Portugal and the country of origin, contributing to safe and welcoming environments that facilitate the inclusion. Care in reception promotes the well-being of these children and young people.