Millions of people have fled from Ukraine. Mostly women and children in search for safety. They refuge in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. Some are taking trains, cars and buses to reach Italy, Spain, Germany or UK, that are offering support. Others are on their way to the US and Australia.
Many of us are wondering with urgency what we can do to help. And most importantly, what is the most strategic way to support long term, systemic change.
We need to adapt quickly and effectively to allow for a dignified integration of the hosting and coming communities.
Since launching Hello Europe (Ashoka’s global migration initiative) in 2015, we have created a network and series of tools that have enabled us to continually adapt to respond to emergencies like this one. Ashoka has over 40 years' experience in supporting initiatives of social innovation, and specifically through the Hello Europe program, in addressing migration and people on the move from a different, impact-driven perspective.
We believe that:
People arriving to our countries are brilliant changemakers – it’s an unexpected influx of talent, energy and creativity.
The fact that our systems are shaken is a good opportunity to redefine how they work in general – they were never perfect to begin with!
We need to be fast, agile and smart. We must find effective solutions, adapt and scale them so that we can ensure effective responses to emerging challenges.
To make this happen, resources are needed.
This is why Ashoka has launched the Hello Europe Refugee Fund.