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Our Project

The SIMPLE Project (Social Innovation Models to Promote Learning and Employability) aims to identify and scale up best practices in social innovation to enhance the employability and integration of Ukrainian refugees, focusing on educational interventions and vocational training. We strive to empower vulnerable groups, particularly women and older adults, by providing targeted support to enhance their skills and employability. A key component is to promote stakeholder engagement through the quadruple helix model, ensuring active collaboration between academia, industry, government, and civil society.

Discover Our Approach

Our Approach & Training

Project SIMPLE employs a holistic and innovative methodology designed to enhance the employability and integration of Ukrainian refugees, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and older adults. This approach leverages social innovation, education, and the quadruple helix model to achieve its objectives.

Integrated Training Programs

We develop and implement tailored vocational education and training programs focusing on enhancing the skills and employability of Ukrainian refugees. This includes continuous mentoring and coaching.

User-Centered Design

Actively involves Ukrainian refugees and key stakeholders (private sector, public sector, academia, civil society) in co-designing and implementing project activities through workshops and focus groups.

Evidence-Based Approach

Utilizes comprehensive data collection and analysis to identify needs, challenges, and best practices, building on proven successes from previous EU-funded projects.

Collaborative Networks

Establishes strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations, facilitating resource sharing and knowledge expertise to maximize impact.

Our Community & Impact

Fostering Systemic Change

At SIMPLE, we believe that true integration requires more than isolated efforts – it demands systemic change. By connecting innovation, collaboration and practical solutions, we work to create lasting impact that strengthens communities and opens new opportunities for Ukrainian refugees across Europe.

Meet Our Partners
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Press Releases

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2025-10-29
SIMPLE partners met in Pescara to consolidate the foundation of a new inclusive model

The partners of the SIMPLE project gathered in Pescara (Italy) on 29 October 2025 for the second Transnational Project Meeting (TPM), hosted by IDP European Consultants, to review and finalise the deliverables developed under Work Package (WP) 2 - Assessment of the existing evidence and building the foundation of a new approach/model.   SIMPLE, co-funded by the European Union under the ESF+, aims to design and test innovative approaches to social inclusion and civic participation, building stronger bridges between institutions, communities and citizens to better support the integration and empowerment of Ukrainian refugees. During the meeting, partners discussed the progress made in WP2’s deliverables, focusing on the evaluation of qualitative and quantitative indicators and the fine-tuning of the Theory of Change to ensure readiness for submission to the Agency. The consortium collaboratively validated the main outcomes of WP2, setting a solid foundation for the next project phases. The agenda also included sessions on stakeholder mapping (WP3), pilot planning (WP4), and dissemination (WP5), reinforcing the integrated approach of SIMPLE in linking research, fieldwork and social impact. The meeting concluded with a joint and interactive session on Quality Assurance, followed by a recap of the decisions taken and the planning of upcoming milestones. For more information about the SIMPLE project and upcoming activities, contact the consortium at simple.euproject@gmail.com or visit the website. Stay tuned for further updates.

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2025-07-10
SIMPLE Project launches website to support Ukrainian refugee integration

The SIMPLE (Social Innovation Models to Promote Learning and Employability) project has officially launched its new website. This platform maps existing social innovation initiatives and provides practical resources to enhance the integration and employability of Ukrainian refugees. The website offers detailed information about the project and its results for wider dissemination. Available in multiple languages (English, Polish, Hungarian, Ukrainian, Italian, Spanish and Croatian), it serves as a central hub for updates, resources and engagement with stakeholders working in the field of migrant integration. Visit the website to learn more and get involved: www.simpleinnovation.eu 

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2025-05-19
Official launch of the SIMPLE project “Social Innovation Models to Promote Learning and Employability”

The SIMPLE project has officially launched with the aim of enhancing the social and professional inclusion of Ukrainian refugees across Europe. Co-financed by the European Commission under the ESF+ Social Innovation Initiative, SIMPLE responds to the urgent need for coordinated, innovative actions to support individuals displaced by the war in Ukraine by fostering sustainable employment pathways and social cohesion in host communities. On May 19th, the Kick-Off Meeting of the project took place in Brussels at the premises of the Belgian partner, Institut de Haute Formation aux Politiques Communautaires, gathering all the partner organisations to establish the project roadmap and align on shared objectives. The consortium comprises a diverse network of organisations from across Europe, bringing together expertise in education, training, research, digital innovation, public policy, and refugee support. CTS Customized Training Solutions sp. z o.o. (Poland) – Lead partner; a provider of tailored IT solutions and digital upskilling programs; Institut de Haute Formation aux Politiques Communautaires (IHF asbl) (Belgium) – A training institute and think tank established in Brussels as a no-profit organisation to mainstream European values towards diverse audiences Asociación IT Solutions for All (Spain) – A non-profit offering comprehensive ICT training for learners of all levels; Hope Ukraine Foundation E.T.S. (Italy) – A foundation delivering humanitarian aid and integration services for Ukrainian refugees; Civitas University (Poland) – A leading Polish university renowned for its social science and international relations programs; Hétfa Research Institute (Hétfa Kutatóintézet KFT) (Hungary) – A think tank focused on public policy, economic, and social research; IDP European Consultants (Italy) – A SME specialised in EU affairs, training, and international project development; Adriatic Ionian Euroregion (AIE) (Croatia) – A European network promoting transnational and interregional cooperation between regions and local authorities of the Adriatic Ionian area. Project Objectives and Activities Over the course of 18 months, SIMPLE will design, pilot, and promote scalable models of social innovation aimed at reducing barriers to employment and social integration for Ukrainian refugees. The project will achieve this by: Evaluating existing evidence and best practices to establish a new approach/model for enhancing Ukrainian refugee employability and integration; Mapping, engaging, and empowering stakeholders from various sectors (public, private, academic and civil society) to support and implement the new social innovation approach for Ukrainian refugees; Implementing and testing the developed model of social innovation in real-world settings to validate its effectiveness and adaptability; Promoting project outcomes, enhancing stakeholder capacities, and ensuring sustainable impact through comprehensive dissemination and stakeholder empowerment activities. The kick-off meeting featured an in-depth overview of the implementation timeline, deliverables, and performance indicators.  In particular, partners engaged in a hands-on workshop, aimed at refining the methodology for assessing and transferring social innovation practices. The session also emphasized the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement throughout all phases of the project. The collaborative spirit and strategic planning evident at the kick-off meeting laid a strong foundation for the effective implementation of the project. The consortium is united by a shared commitment to creating lasting social impact and supporting displaced individuals in rebuilding their lives with dignity and opportunity, while assisting Member States in addressing the ongoing social and integration challenges. For more information about the SIMPLE project and upcoming activities, contact the consortium at simple.euproject@gmail.com. Stay tuned for further updates.  

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2025-05-14
Representatives of the SIMPLE Consortium, CTS and Civitas University participated in the “First Mutual Learning Event for Beneficiaries: Driving Innovation to Address the Societal Consequences of Russia’s War of Aggression Against Ukraine in the EU Countries”

On 13–14 May 2025, the First Mutual Learning Event was held in Warsaw, Poland, bringing together beneficiaries and partners of projects supported by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). The event focused on sharing experiences and innovative approaches to addressing the social consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine across EU Member States. Representatives of the SIMPLE Consortium, composed of CTS and Civitas University, had the pleasure to take part in this inspiring meeting, organised by the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation (ECCSI) under the ESF+ Community of Practice on Migrant Integration (CoP on MI). Participation in the event provided valuable insights and knowledge, fostering cooperation, partnership building and knowledge exchange with other innovative initiatives from across Europe. The two-day programme featured keynote speeches and discussions with representatives of the European Commission, national ministries, and social innovation leaders, including: Nadia Sacoor, Thematic Expert, ESF+ Community of Practice on Migrant Integration (CoP on MI), Peter Besselmann, DG EMPL, European Commission, Sabina Bankauskaitė, Deputy Head, European Competence Centre for Social Innovation (ECCSI), Paweł Michniewicz, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy, Poland, Myroslava Keryk, CEO, Ukrainian House Foundation, Joanna Kucharczyk-Jurgielewicz, Regional Partnership Manager, Ashoka Poland, Antonina Michałowska, Vice Headmistress, Warsaw Ukrainian School (SzkoUA), Marta Białek-Graczyk, President, Association of Creative Initiatives “ę”. The agenda included expert panels, “Innovation in Action” pitches, project fairs and dynamic “Talking Tables” sessions devoted to innovation, sustainability, and scaling social impact. The event created an excellent opportunity for networking among ESF+ beneficiaries, strengthening transnational cooperation and developing new approaches to migrant integration and social innovation in Europe. “Participating in this event was a truly inspiring experience. It allowed us to deepen our understanding of social innovation practices and to establish meaningful partnerships with organisations across Europe that share similar goals,” said representatives of the SIMPLE Consortium. The SIMPLE Consortium implements initiatives focused on social innovation and integration of people affected by the consequences of the war in Ukraine, aiming to support inclusion, empowerment and community resilience. More information on the Social Innovation+ Initiative website https://socialinnovationplus.eu/?omnisendContactID=6762d978903a5335b12be835&utm_campaign=campaign%3A%202025-05-13.14_Warsaw_thank%20you%20%28682b29fea42acbca04779f74%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

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Partners

Collaboration is at the heart of the SIMPLE project. We work with a diverse range of stakeholders from academia, industry, government, and civil society to achieve our goals. Our partnerships are crucial for establishing strong networks, sharing resources, and maximizing the impact of our initiatives for Ukrainian refugees.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Social Fund Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Granting Authority can be held responsible for them.

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Legal description – Creative Commons licensing: The materials published on the SIMPLE project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused, copied, adapted, and shared by users, with information about the source of their origin.

SIMPLE Project, All rights reserved.