World Jewish Relief (WJR), an organization that facilitated the resettlement of Jewish refugees to the UK 80 years ago and boasts Prince Charles as its patron, has been

selected to administer a substantial government contract aimed at supporting Ukrainians who have sought refuge in the UK due to the conflict in Ukraine.

This groundbreaking initiative, sanctioned by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), will enable World Jewish Relief, in partnership with the British Council, to offer comprehensive English language and employment support courses to up to 10,000 Ukrainian individuals scattered across the UK.

The core objective is to equip these Ukrainians with the skills and resources needed to access the job market and pursue their aspirations while residing in the UK. This collaborative program, delivered virtually, comes at no cost to participants.

The curriculum includes a 10-week regimen of daily English language lessons led by the British Council, coupled with a 12-week employment support phase guided by a dedicated Employment Advisor from World Jewish Relief. This employment-focused segment encompasses CV crafting, job application assistance, interview preparation, skills enhancement, and job search guidance.

By bolstering these aspects of support, the program aims to facilitate the Ukrainians' ability to lead independent lives within the UK.

To execute this program, World Jewish Relief will expand its existing Specialist Training and Employment Programme (STEP), which commenced in 2016 and annually aids 1,500 refugees in the UK in their journey towards employment.

Paul Anticoni, Chief Executive of World Jewish Relief, expressed his pride in the organization's selection to administer this pivotal program for Ukrainian individuals in the UK. He underscored the organization's expertise and the fruitful partnerships it has fostered with Ukrainian entities over the past three decades. Anticoni also acknowledged the unwavering support of the broader UK Jewish Community in assisting Ukrainians during their times of need.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan, underscored the significance of this initiative, highlighting its contribution to the comprehensive support offered to Ukrainians seeking employment and integration into British communities amid the ongoing instability in Ukraine.

World Jewish Relief's outstanding work was recognized with a Charity Award in 2022 for its Specialist Training and Employment Programme (STEP). The organization's selection to oversee this substantial program further exemplifies its distinctive approach and impactful contributions. Photo by Dpsu.gov.ua, Wikimedia commons.