The second season of AI training programme full of energy and big ideas has concluded

21/11/2025
Happy people

Countries

The entrepreneurship training programme Start Smart, organised within the framework of the employment programme UPBEAT concluded earlier in November with 37 graduates. Designed for young people with refugee and migrant backgrounds, the programme helps them strengthen their competitiveness with AI in the business and labour market. 

“Artificial intelligence is no longer a technology of tomorrow – it is transforming how we study, work, create, and build businesses today. For young people and newcomers, AI skills open new pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and confident integration into a new society,” said Anastasiia Lysenko, the training and communications specialist at Estonian Refugee Council, and continued: 

“In today’s world, AI literacy is more than a bonus – it is essential. These skills help young migrants and newcomers adapt faster, become more competitive in the job market, and start shaping their own projects and business ideas. Start Smart aims to support exactly this journey: building digital confidence and opening doors to future opportunities.”

Supportive atmosphere made learning easier 

The programme focused on hands-on learning. Participants explored AI tools, created content and prototypes, tested business use cases, and discussed the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the labor market and entrepreneurial landscape.
Every session was built around practical skills that can be applied immediately – whether in a job search, studies, or personal projects. Many participants said that the supportive atmosphere became one of the strongest parts of their experience. “The atmosphere was inspiring, and the materials were modern and useful. It would be great if the programme continued as an advanced course.” Another participant shared: “The course was inspiring and very practical. It gave me many ideas on how to use AI in real business. I especially appreciate the trainer’s energy, patience, and ability to explain complex topics in a simple way.”

Even those who entered the programme with zero background in technology soon felt comfortable using AI tools. “After the course, I feel more confident and motivated to continue learning about AI and entrepreneurship,” shared one participant.

Start Smart is part of the UPBEAT project, aimed at developing entrepreneurial skills among immigrants through the use of AI technologies. The project is implemented in cooperation with Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Startup Refugees, and the Estonian Refugee Council, with support from the European Union under the Interreg Central Baltic programme.

Women in a greenhouse

Countries

17/11/2025
Overview of the Estonian Refugee Council's Activities in October
We organised an international humanitarian conference in Tallinn. This year, the conference focused on institutional reforms and the funding crisis, the digital transformation, and access to crisis affected communities. With the support of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we continue providing food assistance in hospitals in Gaza, distributing over 9,000 meal portions in total. Read more on the Refugee Council website. In Estonia, 37 young people with a refugee background completed a training course on artificial intelligence. Throughout October, Estonian language learning sessions for young people were held in cooperation with Tallinn University, based on the implicit language learning methodology. The mental health support hotline for Ukrainians has received more than 2,900 calls over the past six months. In Armenia, community councils amplifying the voices of people with a refugee background were established in four new locations in October: Yerevan, Gyumri, Yeghegnadzor and Dilijan. In Georgia, a programme aimed at strengthening Georgian CSOs and civil society organisations came to an end – 19 organisations received support. In Syria, the Refugee Council is providing cash assistance to 65 families over a two-month period to help them cover their basic needs.
Gaza toiduabi

Countries

13/11/2025
Estonian Refugee Council continues distributing food aid in Gaza with the support of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Estonian Refugee Council continues to distribute food aid in Gaza hospitals with the support of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ensuring daily meals for both patients and hospital staff working under extremely difficult conditions. The Ministry’s funding will enable the distribution of over 9,000 meals in Gaza. 
Conference 2025

Countries

07/11/2025
Tallinn International Humanitarian Conference sought solutions to key issues of the sector’s future, funding crisis and digital transformation
The humanitarian conference organised by the Estonian Refugee Council brought together humanitarian experts and organisations from around the world in Tallinn yesterday. Now in its third year, the conference facilitated discussions on the need for institutional reform, the deepening funding crisis, digital transformation, and ways to support people in hard-to-reach areas.
People sitting on a stage

Countries

03/11/2025
Estonian Refugee Council’s humanitarian conference to focus on the future of the sector, reforms, and the funding crisis
On 6 November, the Estonian Refugee Council will host an international humanitarian conference at Fotografiska Tallinn, focusing on key issues shaping the sector: institutional reforms, the funding crisis, the digital transformation, and access to areas affected by crises.
two people discussing

Countries

15/10/2025
Overview of the Estonian Refugee Council's Activities in September
We are organising an international humanitarian conference in Tallinn on 6 November, and registration is still open. This year, the conference will focus on institutional reforms and the funding crisis, the digital transformation, and access to crisis affected communities. We opened an office in Syria to support people affected by the civil war and help them rebuild their lives. Despite the ongoing hostilities in Gaza throughout September, we managed to deliver 2,900 food portions to local hospitals. We continue to collect donations in Estonia to provide essential food aid that gives patients strength to recover and supports doctors and nurses in their vital work. Make a donation on the Estonian Refugee Council website. In Estonia, we kicked off the new season of Start Smart training on AI, with 40 young people with refugee backgrounds taking part.  Since spring, we have supported more than 2,400 people through our mental health helpline. The helpline is available to Ukrainians both in Ukraine and across other European countries, providing much-needed support to those affected by the war. We opened hydroponic greenhouses at three schools in Armenia to help address the impacts of climate change and ensure food security in water-scarce conditions. The greenhouses also promote environmental education for children and strengthen social inclusion.  We supported more than 390 Ukrainian refugees in Georgia with cash-based humanitarian aid to help them cover their basic needs.
people cutting ribbon

Countries

08/10/2025
Hydroponic Greenhouses in Armenia help address climate challenges and social issues
At the end of September, the Estonian Refugee Council officially opened hydroponic greenhouses built at three schools in Armenia’s Tavush region, helping alleviate water scarcity, address climate and social challenges, and provide environmental education for children. The programme gives more than 400 pupils the opportunity to learn and experience how to grow plants without soil, while gaining practical knowledge of hydroponics and composting. 
damaged houses in Damascus with people in front

Countries

25/09/2025
Estonian Refugee Council open office in Syria
The Estonian Refugee Council (ERC) has received official approval to open an office in Syria, aiming to support people affected by the nearly 14-year-long civil war and contribute to the country’s rebuilding efforts. The presence of the Estonian Refugee Council allows assistance both to those displaced within the country and to those returning home after prolonged periods as refugees.
a greenhouse

Countries

24/09/2025
“While others were still planting, we were already cooking borsch from our own vegetables”: Stories of Recovery and Hope in Poltava Region
In the Myrhorod community, located in Poltava region of Ukraine, every household tells a story of daily hard work and a deep love for the land. Well-tended flowerbeds, cosy homesteads, and fertile gardens and orchards all speak to one truth: life goes on, even in the shadow of war.
View all News & Materials
Contact
Have questions or suggestions? Please fill out the contact form
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.