On April 23, 2025, within the framework of the implementation of the EU Erasmus+ PROMENT project “Promoting vocational education and active participation of students through the formation of a comprehensive system of mentoring and tutoring in higher education institutions” under the scheme “Mentoring for IDP students”, an event of the updated format of the RIKA conversational and integration club entitled “Paths to mutual understanding” was held offline . The event was held in a warm, relaxed format in a comfortable room in the city center.

The event was organized and implemented by the mentor of the “Mentoring for IDP Students” scheme, Svitlana Odintsova.

The purpose of the meeting is to explore the expectations and interests of participants, gather ideas for future topics for club meetings, and create an atmosphere of open dialogue and mutual support.

The event lasted two hours and brought together representatives of internally displaced persons, local youth, as well as activists interested in community development, learning the Ukrainian language, and acquiring new skills.

In the “world café” format , participants were able to move between thematic tables, where they discussed:

• human rights and legal education – the importance of protecting rights and access to legal information;
• community development – how community initiatives can unite people and change the surrounding space;
• soft skills – skills that help with communication, teamwork, and self-presentation;
• psychological topics – discussion of internal stability, emotional well-being, and support in new living conditions.
  
  

  During the discussions, participants actively expressed their opinions, shared experiences, and formulated suggestions for topics for future club meetings. The atmosphere was friendly, which fostered openness and support.

  After the thematic discussions, participants were treated to language interactives and games aimed at developing communication skills in Ukrainian. The gamified approach created a positive mood and united the attendees.

  The event ended with a coffee break , during which participants had the opportunity to informally chat, exchange contacts and ideas.

  The results of the event can be defined as follows: the formation of a bank of ideas for the next meetings of the RIKA club; strengthening the network of relationships among participants; increasing motivation for further participation in the club’s activities; collected wishes regarding the topics and format of future meetings.