Background
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has led to a significant increase in the number of Ukrainian refugees in Norway. By the beginning of 2024, over 72,000 Ukrainian refugees had applied for collective protection, and it is estimated that the number will be around 100,000 by the end of the year. Ukrainian refugees have been granted collective protection, which provides temporary residence permits with the possibility of permanent residence after five years. Research shows that Ukrainian refugees are highly motivated to learn Norwegian and find employment, but there are limited studies on their experiences with social participation in Norway, including participation in civil society and leisure activities. A qualitative study by NOVA indicates that both children and parents need information and support to find suitable activities. The Civil Society Survey (2023) shows that volunteer organisations have mobilised to include Ukrainian refugees, but more knowledge is needed about their participation experiences. Previous studies have shown that experience with civil society engagement from the country of origin can influence participation in Norway, and that participation in Norwegian organisations is important for trust, social networking, and language training. This project aims to investigate Ukrainian parents' and youths' experiences with inclusion in organisational life and perspectives on civil society participation.
Project Approach
The project will use qualitative methodology with focus groups and individual interviews. Data collection will involve two case municipalities to ensure variation in municipality size and geographical location. Focus groups will help uncover shared experiences and attitudes, while individual interviews will delve deeper into individual experiences.
We will conduct four focus group interviews with Ukrainian adults of both genders who participate in volunteer activities to varying degrees. This will include both parents of teenagers and individuals who are not parents. Additionally, we will conduct eight to ten individual interviews with Ukrainian adults of both genders, distributed across the two case municipalities. Furthermore, ten to twelve individual interviews will be conducted with Ukrainian youths aged 16-20 of both genders, distributed across the two case municipalities. Lastly, individual interviews will also be conducted with representatives of volunteer organisations (3-5) and local authorities (3-5) in the two case municipalities. Participants will be recruited through multiple channels, including adult education centres, schools, volunteer organisations, snowball sampling, and social media. All interviews will offer the option of using an authorised interpreter if needed.
The project will be carried out in 2026 and 2027, with a final report as the main deliverable in 2027.
