We are proud to facilitate a vital transfer of expertise from Türkiye to Slovakia regarding the reintegration of families – specifically women who have lost partners to military conflict or terrorism. With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Europe faces a new humanitarian landscape. This knowledge transfer is essential, as these proven support models can be adapted for Ukrainian women not only in Slovakia, but across Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and beyond.
In the face of conflict and displacement, the journey home is often more than a physical return; it is a complex process of emotional and social reintegration. The Erasmus+ project “Back to Life” (B2L) is dedicated to this vital mission, transforming the challenges faced by veterans, soldiers, and their families into opportunities for growth, dignity, and community impact.
Throughout 2025, this international initiative (Ankara Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler İl Müdürlüğü, Spoločné vzdelávanie, Tenenet) has bridged nations from Ukraine, Slovakia and Türkiye to provide a lifeline for women affected by military conflict and the families of martyrs.
A Global Journey of Healing: From Bratislava to Ankara
The project’s momentum began in Bratislava, Slovakia, in March 2025. This kick-off meeting set the stage for a year of specialized psychosocial support and skill-building. By April, the mission moved to Ankara, Turkey, where veterans and families of martyrs gathered at the Ankara Valiliği 75. Yıl Huzurevi Yaşlı Bakım ve Rehabilitasyon Merkezi.
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These roundtable discussions were deeply moving, highlighted by the story of a visually impaired veteran who reminded attendees: “My eyes don’t see, but my feelings do. As long as we breathe, we can achieve anything.” Through creative activities like “My Life Journey Map,” participants began to visualize a future beyond their pain.
Building Bridges in Slovakia: May – October 2025
The project returned to Slovakia in May with a series of intensive roundtable events in Bratislava and Žilina. These sessions served two critical purposes:
- Expert Collaboration: Professionals in mental health and social services gathered to refine inclusive training modules.
- Lived Experience: Ukrainian women shared their stories, identifying a critical need for language skills, digital literacy, and emotional resilience tools.
In October, the focus shifted toward modern empowerment at Digital Park II in Bratislava. The “AI for Life” workshop introduced participants to the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence. This session helped transition technology from a source of stress into a “helpful companion” for job searching and daily life.
Community Resilience in České Brezovo
In November 2025, the B2L team collaborated with Caritas Slovakia for a community workshop in České Brezovo. This event integrated three core pillars of the project:
- Emotional Resilience: Participants explored techniques for grounding and recognizing emotional overload.
- Family Communication: Shared strategies for maintaining bonds despite the silence or tension caused by war.
- Digital Confidence: Practical training on using AI and digital tools safely to foster independence.
Looking Ahead: Together We Rise
The “Back to Life” project proves that healing is a collective effort. By providing tailored IT tools, language training, and psychological support, B2L is ensuring that the women and families of those who served can re-enter the workforce and live dignified lives.
As the project moves toward its final 2025 milestones, the message remains clear: resilience is built through unity. Whether in the heart of Türkiye or ın the regions of Slovakia, the journey “Back to Life” is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit.