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Refugee
Luminary
Youth
Initative
By Refugees.
For Refugees.
Empowering Ukrainian Youth Amid Displacement and Trauma
The Refugee Luminary Youth Initiative (RLYI) was launched in direct response to the mass displacement caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 — one of Europe’s largest refugee crises since World War II. Millions of Ukrainians fled their homes, with a significant number seeking refuge in neighboring countries such as Poland. Among them, young people and families faced profound trauma: separation from loved ones, exposure to violence, and the loss of safety and stability.
As the humanitarian crisis deepened, the urgent need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) became clear. Many refugees, especially youth, struggled with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress — often without access to adequate care. Language barriers and cultural differences further limited support.
RLYI was created to bridge this gap, combining trauma-informed psychological assistance with youth-led empowerment. At the heart of the initiative is the Mental Health Rescuers (MHR) Program, which delivers comprehensive psychosocial care while training young refugees to become leaders, advocates, and mental health first responders within their communities.
What We Do
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Psychological First Aid through trauma-informed workshops and support groups
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Empowerment of Refugee Youth to lead community-based healing efforts
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Capacity-building in resilience, peer support, and emotional coping strategies
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Culturally sensitive care adapted to the Ukrainian refugee context
Partnership with UNHCR (2023 - 2024)
Since the outset of the war, the UNHCR has been a key partner of RLYI, supporting the delivery of MHR workshops for Ukrainian refugees in Poland. These workshops provide safe, inclusive spaces where youth and families can:
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Share experiences and emotions in a supportive environment
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Learn evidence-based tools for managing stress and trauma
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Strengthen community ties and collective resilience
UNHCR’s support has been instrumental in ensuring that mental health is treated as a critical pillar of refugee protection and recovery. Together, we are working to mitigate the long-term psychological impacts of war and displacement.
The Refugee Luminary Youth Initiative (RLYI) was named the Polish winner of the European Charlemagne Youth Prize 2025, a prestigious award presented by the European Parliament. This prize celebrates youth-led projects that strengthen European integration and solidarity. The international jury, which included Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, recognized RLYI for its exceptional impact on community cohesion and youth empowerment.
Through mentoring, psychosocial workshops, and mental health activities, RLYI has supported the integration of young Ukrainian refugees and their Polish peers — reaching over 20,000 young people and building strong networks of empathy, dialogue, and resilience across Poland.
