Alleviating Isolation and Social Marginalization
One of the most daunting issues facing displaced people from Ukraine is isolation and marginalization in their temporary home. Without family and close friends around them, and without the necessary language skills, social integration and fostering a new sense of community are very real challenges. Over the summer, IOM implementing partner Menedék Association for Migrants organized 33 social inclusion activities for beneficiaries in the towns of Fülpösdaróc, Tuzsér, Geszteréd, Uszka and Kisléta. Some activities concentrated on developing reading and writing, skills necessary for children’s educational integration; while others dealt with a broader audience, such as arts and crafts sessions, gardening and improving interpersonal skills. 

Furthermore, trips were organized for participants from different shelters in the county, such as the ones to Debrecen in June and Nyirigyháza in July. The outings contributed greatly to community building and integration, and managed to help alleviate feelings of isolation people from Ukraine may be feeling.

“Sometimes it helps to meet others and know you're not alone. As an implementing partner of IOM Hungary, we invited Ukrainian refugees living in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County to a trip to Debrecen. During the sitting on the mini train, sightseeing, having a picnic, strolls, friendly conversations all participants received and gave strength, cheerfulness, courage, experience. And the children's joyful play and laughter was just the icing on the cake. Since the beginning of the war, we have been intensively helping refugees from war in Eastern Hungary.” - Éva Adóba, organizer of the trip