Starting this September 2025, we’ll be working alongside amazing partners in Greece, Cyprus, and Norway to build something we believe in deeply: stronger, more inclusive classrooms for young people who’ve been displaced, who’ve fled conflict, and who are trying to build a new life through learning.
Why this project matters to us
Every day, our team meets young people and educators navigating education under incredibly challenging circumstances. Teachers are doing their best with what they have—but they often lack the tools, the time, or the support they need to truly reach every student. And for refugee and displaced youth, the barriers are high: language, trauma, interrupted education, social isolation.
EmpowerED is our response to that. Together with Terre des Hommes Hellas, Hope for Children CRC Policy Center, The Rafto Foundation for Human Rights, and our academic partner, the University of Bergen, we’re co-creating a flexible, evidence-based toolkit for educators. This isn’t just another training—it’s a deeper investment in the people who hold classrooms together.
We’ll be developing tools and methodologies using Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Active Democratic Citizenship (ADC)—approaches that centre both teacher and student voices and promote meaningful engagement, collaboration, and empowerment. It’s about creating learning spaces where students feel seen, supported, and ready to participate—no matter their background.
It’s not only about refugee students
Refugees and displaced youth remain at the heart of EmpowerED—but they’re not the only ones who benefit. The trainings and tools we’re developing are also highly relevant to host community students and schools. This project is about fostering inclusion and empathy across entire classrooms, and strengthening the capacity of teachers to lead diverse, resilient, and democratic learning environments.
In other words: everyone wins when education becomes more inclusive.
What’s next?
Over the next 24 months, we’ll be rolling out workshops, school-based trainings, and collaborative activities in Norway, Greece, and Cyprus. We’ll learn from each other. We’ll listen deeply. We’ll share what works. And we’ll keep returning to the simple but powerful belief that education can be a force for dignity and belonging.
This project is a big step forward for us—and we’re honoured to be working with such committed and inspiring partners. We’ll be sharing updates, stories, and reflections along the way, and we’d love for you to follow the journey.
EmpowerED is starting. And we’re ready.
