Ukrainian Coordinators in Czechia

Marie Jelínková, Ina Avramioti

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The article presents the role of the so-called Ukrainian coordinators, active Ukrainian women who have carried out intercultural, field and/or social work with Ukrainian forced migrants. The article outlines the scope and content of the work of this specific profession and the challenges faced by the coordinators. THEORETICAL BASE: The study is embedded in the perspective of community outreach work, which we understand as community-oriented activities carried out to contact individuals or groups from a specific target population who are not effectively contacted or reached by existing services. METHODS: The study is based on a critical thematic analysis of 15 semi-structured interviews with Ukrainian coordinators. OUTCOMES: Ukrainian coordinators have responded well to the needs of forced migrants, have become increasingly professional and are pleased with their work. Some find it difficult to separate work and private life, but they consider inadequate legislation as the biggest challenge. SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: The study points to the positive impact of organisations working with migrants, the information and other support that has been provided, including the existence of necessary training (e.g. on intercultural work). The development of the migrant-focused sector should be continued, and its contribution to the successful reception of half a million Ukrainian forced migrants should be recognized.

Keywords
Ukrainians, forced migration, fieldwork, community work, Ukrainian coordinators

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