|
Listen to this story:
|
The Burberry Foundation announces it is partnering with Save the Children to launch Life Chances, a programme designed to support young people impacted by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
Life Chances aims to help young Ukrainian refugees recover by furthering their education and career prospects, improving social and emotional well-being, and empowering them to become agents of change within their communities.
Scheduled to run exclusively in Poland until June 2025, the programme is designed to support Ukrainian refugees aged 14-18. To support wider social well-being and cohesion, the programme will also be extended to young people in Poland, with services being fully available in November 2023.
During crises and periods of displacement, education and social activities are integral to creating an environment where young people can develop a sense of purpose, identity and belonging. Poland continues to be home to a large population of Ukrainian refugees, but it is estimated that only 44 per cent of Ukrainian children were enrolled within a local school at the end of the 2022/2023 academic year*. Due to the expanding young population and increased demand for schooling, educational establishments in the country are struggling to meet the needs of young people.
Related Article: Burberry Becomes First Luxury Fashion Brand to Receive SBTi Approval for Net Zero Emissions Target
Life Chances aims to address this by providing holistic support to young people whilst they adapt to life in Poland. Created in consultation with Ukrainian refugees, the programme will focus on the following areas of need:
- Language Support
- Academic Tutoring and Guidance for Career Pathways
- Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
- Activities to Support the Development of Social Connections and Cohesion
All activities within the programme will be implemented through libraries and other community spaces throughout Poland, ensuring young people have access to information, culture and technology, as well as a safe environment within which they can meet other people and develop their potential.
This partnership follows the expansion of Burberry Inspire and echoes the initiative’s core values by creating opportunities for young people to drive positive change in their lives and communities.
“Save the Children plays a pivotal role in ensuring young people across the globe are safe, healthy and are given the tools they need to reach their full potential. The Burberry Foundation is proud to partner with them on Life Chances, a programme that will help the thousands of young people impacted by the crisis to recover, grow and create opportunities for a better future.” said Nicole Lovett, Programme Director at Burberry
“So many children have been displaced by the conflict in Ukraine, and for teenagers who are thinking about their future careers and who are trying to discover their identities, it is an incredibly challenging time. Together with FRSI, our local NGO partner in Poland, we are delighted to be partnering with Burberry to give teenage Ukrainian refugees an opportunity to continue their education as well as to improve their social and emotional well-being. As the programme was co-designed in consultation with young Ukrainians and Polish youth, we feel confident that we are giving them the best possible chances of success and we hope that it will give them the opportunities they deserve.” said Celina Kretkowska-Adamowicz, Director of Programme Operations from Save the Children in Poland